WINESTATE Magazine tasting panel results 2011:

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2010 ***1/2
Nutty, slightly creamy bouquet. Finely textured, sweet-fruited wine with peachy, appley flavours, showing very good depth and complexity. Sold Out (Order Now)

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Viognier 2010 *****
Complex style, fleshy and layered, with concentrated, well-ripened stonefruit and oak flavours, slightly creamy and nutty. Rich and tightly structured, with hints of apricots and spices, it should unfold well. $35 (Order Now)

Passage Rock’s outstanding performance underlined the soaring status of Waiheke Island syrah. The variety is also emerging as one of Northland’s regional strengths, as shown by Marsden Estate’s excellent 2009 vintage, grown at the Bay of Islands.

Passage Rock Reserve Waiheke Island Syrah 2010 *****
Densely coloured, with beautifully rich cassis, black pepper and nut flavours, and gentle tannins giving instant appeal. Finely textured and supple, with lovely depth and a powerful presence. $55(Order Now)

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Syrah 2010 *****
Dense, youthful colour. A star wine, with substantial body and lovely, dense flavours of blackcurrant, plums, chocolate and spices, ripe and rich. ‘Compelling’, enthused one judge. $35 (Order Now)

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