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From the March / April 2008 issue of Winestate magazine

under the heading “Michael Cooper’s Recent Releases”. Michael Cooper, leading wine author and critic, writes this regular feature and his reviews are detailed below.

Moutere Hills Nelson Dry Pinot Gris 2007 ****

From vines cropped deliberately at "ridiculously low" levels, this wine was partly barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts. Sturdy (14.4 per cent alcohol), with well-ripened stone-fruit flavours, slightly nutty and minerally, it’s a distinctive, bone dry style, more austere than most New Zealand pinot gris, and likely to mature well. $35

Moutere Hills Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ****

Fresh, strong, ripely herbaceous wine with real personality. Dry but not austere, finely textured and full-flavoured, with complexity and aging potential. $26

Hopsbarn Dry Rosé 2007 ***1/2

Full-bodied style from Moutere Hills Vineyard, in Nelson. Appealing salmon/pink hue, with fresh strawberry, plum and spice characters, dry and flavoursome. $22

Hopsbarn White 2007 ***

From Moutere Hills Vineyard, this is a Nelson blend of chardonnay (principally) with sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. A weighty, flavoursome, dry wine, it is slightly nutty and minerally, with some complexity. $22