Small Wonders Mixed Case

From the granite slopes behind Hermitage hill and benefitting from being harvested after close to 150mm of rainfall to give a juicy core. Plenty of red- and black-berry fruits, fleshy plum notes combined with black olives and a firm tannin structure.

From some of the estate's most famous and well recognised sites, this Erste Lage wine, equivalent of premier cru, is a dry white that is zesty and vibrant with classic riesling aromatics of jasmine and peach. The cool profile of 2024 comes through with a citrus and saline core and there is a restrained concentration that only the top sites can deliver.

Beautifully fresh and vibrant barbera with concentrated ripe raspberry, red-cherry and bramble fruit, pink-grapefruit zest, and a twist of rosemary. Well balanced with smooth, seamless tannins, a lovely glass of wine with or without food.

A refined expression of Nelson's Moutere Hills, shaped by the region’s sun-drenched days and cooling maritime influence. On the nose, there’s a restraint, with citrus peel, a touch of gunflint reduction and savoury biscuit notes that reflect the time in large-format French oak. The palate is bone dry and layered, with a satisfying texture, freshness with depth. A bright core of lemon and grapefruit is wrapped in saline minerality, while wild ferment and extended élevage lend complexity and weight without sacrificing drive. The use of wild malolactic fermentation is handled perfectly, contributing creaminess without softening the wine’s naturally vivid acidity. The winery is run by Mark and Sophie McGill, the former a barrel merchant with access to outstandingly good-quality oak barrels, the latter the extremely talented daughter of Dog Point co-founder, James Healy. This is a serious and stylish chardonnay with clarity and poise, showcasing both the potential of Moutere clay soils and the craftsmanship behind a wine built on purity, energy and structure. A superb example of New Zealand chardonnay with the focus and dryness to match fine white Burgundy.

2023 is a fine flavoured vintage of great elegance. Mendel make more structured and less fruity wines than some, with a European feel which are designed to go with food. Decanting half-an-hour before serving will show it at its best. Made from the vineyard around the bodega in Mayor Drummond at 950m. It was planted in 1928 at a lovely density of 5,555 vines and is interplanted with olive trees.

Fresh, characterful Umbrian white with notes of citrus, white peach and wild herbs. Bright and textured, with lively acidity and a subtle savoury edge, it is a distinctive expression of the increasingly prized trebbiano Spoletino grape.