Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
66 / the tasting panel / april 2015 A South Island Success Giesen Wines was founded by three German-born brothers: Alex, Theo and Marcel Giesen. As youngsters growing up in Germany, they maintained hobby vines. Then, as young adults, they traveled the world and began to realize their passion and talent for winemaking. A visit to New Zealand in 1981 resulted in a spontaneous land purchase outside Christchurch, on the South Island. The vineyard proved to be an ideal and unique growing environment—one where the brothers could draw on their youthful experimentation in Germany and bring their knowledge of growing in colder climates into play. Giesen has become one of the leading producers of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but the Pinot Noirs are worth seeking out as well and rival those from Central Otago. One of the signatures of the winery is the use of 1,000-liter German Fuder barrels. I recently tasted through a selection of Giesen's limited-edition single-vineyard releases with Theo Giesen. These wines are remarkable in their delineation and clarity. 88 Alois Lageder 2013 Pinot Grigio, Dolomiti IGT, Italy ($15) Crisp and racy with minerally notes and tangy fruit; clean, juicy and long. DALLA TERRA 90 Maimai Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand ($16) Racy acidity and notes of vanilla; juicy and clean with lovely structure; long and balanced. PACIFIC PRIME WINES 88 Oak Grove 2013 Family Reserve Shiraz, California ($8) Clean and spicy with bright raspberry and cherry fruit; fresh and balanced, long and appealing. 88 Santa Julia 2013 Malbec– Cabernet Franc Reserva, Valle de Uco, Argentina ($13) Smooth and bright with juicy berry fruit; fresh and ripe; long and balanced. 70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc. WINESELLERS LTD. 88 Salton 2012 Intenso Cabernet Franc, Campanha Gaúcha, Brazil ($15) Smooth and bright with fresh, balanced flavors of blueberry, raspberry and herbs; clean, medium-weight and long. A&M IMPORTS LLC SPIRITS 90 UV Vodka Ruby Red Grapefruit, USA ($12) Cloudy orange; juicy and tangy with fresh ruby grapefruit flavors; sweet and smooth, tangy and clean with a long, bright finish. PHILLIPS DISTILLING 93 Batch 206 Distillery Counter Gin, USA ($25) Juniper and spice nose; creamy texture and lush, aromatic style; very smooth with balanced, rich flavors; long and generous with notes of cucumber, lavender and citrus. DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE & SPIRITS GIESEN WINES BRINGS GERMAN KNOW-HOW TO NEW ZEALAND PHOTO COUTESY OF GIESEN WINES Theo, Alex and Marcel Giesen. 92 Giesen Wines 2012 The Fuder Sauvignon Blanc, Matthews Lane, Marlborough ($50) Silky and smooth with bright acidity and lush fruit; rich, layered and balanced; long, dense and showing a deep, expressive finish. 90 Giesen Wines 2012 The Fuder Sauvignon Blanc, Dillons Point, Marlborough ($50) Tangy and juicy with spice, earth and complexity; fresh, lively and balanced. 90 Giesen Wines 2012 The Fuder Chardonnay, Clayvin, Marlborough ($65) Fresh and juicy with creamy texture and rich style; crisp, racy acidity and lively finish; bright, tangy and complete. 92 Giesen Wines 2012 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ridge Block, Marlborough ($70) Deep ruby color ; silky and smooth with bright cherry and spice; seamless and complex, long and balanced. 91 Giesen Wines 2012 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Waihopai, Marlborough ($70) Rich and dense with smooth texture and bright berry fruit; spicy with savory qualities; juicy and long. 90 Giesen Wines 2012 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Brookby Road, Marlborough ($70) Smooth and floral with raspberry and cherry fruit; notes of spice, earth and savory qualities. PACIFIC HIGHWAY WINES & SPIRITS UV Vodka Ruby Red