A second wine added to Fine Wines of New Zealand classification
Congratulations to Anna and Jason Flowerday of TWR, one of the big winners in the recent shake-up of the Fine Wines of New Zealand classification. The biodynamically farmed has had one of its wines – the co-fermented field blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris called Toru – in the list since day dot, making it a streak of five years now. Newly elevated to the exalted ranks of these 95 nation-defining wines is the 2017 TWR Riesling ‘D’ Single-Vineyard 5182.
“Now into its fifth release, the Fine Wines of New Zealand programme continues to put a focus on the depth and breadth of diversity across our wine regions and varieties” says Fine Wines of New Zealand chair Alastair Maling MW.
“With over 100 new submissions and only 14 new entrants to the list, it recognises the high standards that have to be met including provenance, consistency, excellence in winemaking, a minimum of seven years of production, and meeting a very thorough tasting assessment.”
2017 TWR Riesling ‘D’ SV 5182 $33
This is the best Te Whare Ra ‘D’ Riesling that I can recall tasting. It has true ‘old vine’ concentration with citrus blossom and subtle oyster shell flavours. Tantalisingly accessible now but with the potential to develop well in bottle. 95 points.
Bob Campbell MW, Gourmet Traveller WINE January 2020
2019 TWR Toru Single-Vineyard 5182 $30
Gewürztraminer 64%, Riesling 24%, Pinot Gris 12%. This 2019 Toru has an intriguing nose with notes of mango, fresh citrus, white florals and exotic spices. These lead into a multi-layered palate with flavours of mango, citrus, red apple and lychee with a lingering spiciness. The palate has excellent fruit concentration and weight with lovely creamy texture, plus a mineral edge which gives it great length of flavour.
Anna Flowerday, TWR