The Detroit News, Sandra Silfven, July 2016
Your Wednesday Wine; Mt. Beautiful from NZ
“MT. BEAUTIFUL is an actual mountain on the South Island of New Zealand and the name of a winery that makes beautiful wines — including a Sauvignon Blanc that does not exhibit the usual green, herbal character that is trademark for this country, but juicy tropical fruit and citrus. The Riesling has all the delicacy and finesse of the Mosel.
Mt. Beautiful is in North Canterbury, a region along the central-eastern part of the South Island, bordering the coast. The wines are grown inland from the ocean and are protected from the harsh winds by Mt. Beautiful. The winery was founded by New Zealand native and scholar-entrepreneur Dr. David J. Teece who spent two years with wife Leigh searching for an undiscovered area of his homeland to grow grapes. The grapes are certified sustainably grown and only estate grapes are used for the wines. From the labels to the nectar in the bottles, these wines live up to the name of the winery. The Mt. Beautiful script on the label is from the actual handwriting of proprietor Dr. David Teece’s deceased father, Allan Teece. The tasting room is in the town of Cheviot.
Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc North Canterbury New Zealand 2015, $15.99: The back Riesling-Bottle-Shot-Transparent[1]label says it all: “We have set a new precedent for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.” You will find this one is not so tart, grassy and herbal as the signature Marlborough style. It has lovely tropical fruit and a subtle creaminess on the midpalate. It has white floral tones with intense melon, mandarin orange, green apple and just a touch of herbs in the finish. It’s crisp and dry, fruity, packed with layers of flavor. It’s a very different style for New Zealand, and I love it.
Mt. Beautiful Riesling North Canterbury New Zealand 2015, $21.99: This delightful creation does a dance on the palate with its bright tones of pink grapefruit and honeysuckle blossoms, its sumptuous juicy texture and minerality that races through everything. Close your eyes and you swear it came from a steep hillside along the Mosel. It’s made from two distinct blocks in the vineyard. Riesling is the first wine Mt. Beautiful made for release to the public.”
2015 Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc
15.99 / bottle | 191.88 / case
2015 Mt. Beautiful Riesling
21.99 / bottle | 263.88 / case