01 Sep Sacred Hill Releases its 2019 Riflemans and Wine Thief Chardonnays
Sacred Hill has just released its latest dynamic duo. The 2019 Riflemans is a genuine Chardonnay superhero. Together with its faithful sidekick, Wine Thief, these Chardonnays are, quite simply, wines to marvel at.
All superheroes have a great origin story and these wines are no different. The fruit is handpicked from own rooted Mendoza vines in the renowned Riflemans vineyard. This beautiful, elevated river terrace is the most remote vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. The deep red metal soils, elevated high above the Tutaekuri River, produce fine wines of intensity, precision, power and grace.
Sacred Hill Founder David Mason says “We are privileged to be the keepers of one of New Zealand’s finest and most historic vineyards. These single origin Chardonnays are the culmination of over 25 years of winemaking from the Riflemans Vineyard. They are our way of sharing our passion for this grape variety with wine lovers around the world.”
The Sacred Hill team loved the 2019 season. Hawke’s Bay basked in pure sunshine and dry conditions throughout the critical periods, ensuring that the fruit was in perfect condition. Our winemakers reaped the rewards of a sublime grape growing season and believe this will be a vintage to compete with the best.
As a result, the winemaking team is thrilled to be adding yet another stellar vintage to the Wine Thief and Riflemans’ legacy.
The 2019 Riflemans Chardonnay is elegant and graceful. The intense fruit flavours and delicate oak treatment deliver power, sumptuous texture and extraordinary length. The Wine Thief is layered with vanilla and stone fruit flavours and is richer and toastier than the more refined Riflemans.
Sacred Hill’s latest dynamic duo – saving you from bad wine, one sip at a time.
2019 Sacred Hill Special Selection Riflemans Chardonnay – Winemaker’s Note
This elegant wine offers complex aromas of zest of lemon and lime, citrus flowers and baking spices supported by toasted almonds, butterscotch and vanilla. Richly textured, the palate has fabulous flesh and power, finishing with lime zest flavours.
5 Stars Bob Campbell MW
94 Points Cameron Douglas MS
5 Stars Michael Cooper
98 Points Sam Kim
RRP $69.99 from fine wine retailers and sacredhill.com.
2019 Sacred Hill Special Selection Wine Thief Chardonnay – Winemaker’s Note
This bold Chardonnay offers layered aromas of vanilla, lemon curd ripe peaches, brioche and smoky/charry notes. The palate is full and well-integrated offering roasted stone fruit, supple tannin and length aided by acid.
4 Stars Bob Campbell MW
93 Points Cameron Douglas MS
4.5 Stars Michael Cooper
95 Points Sam Kim
RRP $34.99 from fine wine retailers and sacredhill.com.