Colere (‘cultivate and worship land and spirit’) is a micro-negotiant wine project.
Julian Richards, the alchemist behind Colere, sources organic and biodynamic grapes from top Marlborough vineyards. Here, minimal intervention reigns supreme – foot-stomping and wild fermentation are the tools of choice. This philosophy allows nature’s rhythms to work their magic, transforming the fruit into singular, dynamite wines.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Julian and was captivated by his passion for these principles and the resulting wines.
I don’t give 95+ points often… but the Wreckin Chenin knocked my little socks off.
Full tasting notes below:
| Wine | Notes | Score | Stars |
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Colere Rosato Pinot Noir 2022
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This beauty intertwines deep cherry and strawberry notes with hints of spice, earth, and liquorice. Soft and juicy, it features leesy complexity and vibrant acidity, complemented by a refreshing mineral crunch. Red berry and red apple skin flavours are framed by phenolic structure, weighty fruit, and a chalky finish. A complex, layered rosé for grown-ups and adventurous big kids *(18+ ).
|
93 | 5 |
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Colere Ashmore Chardonnay 2020
|
Aromas reveal fresh apricot and tropical notes, white blossoms, with delicate spicy and toasty undertones. The palate is weighty with textural, dry with ripe acidity, featuring a lovely plush texture accented by the chalky tannin structure. Ends refined and dry.
|
92 | 4.5 |
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Colere Holon Chardonnay 2020
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A smoky nose layered with peach, ripe rockmelon, and savoury seasonings of wax, white pepper, and fennel. The palate is fat and vivacious, bursting with flavour framed by texture – finishing sophisticated, rich and superbly detailed. | 94 | 5 |
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Colere Chenin Blanc Wrekin 2021
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Smoky and complex, this creamy Chenin spends 18 months on fine lees, offering a rich texture without being heavy, with freshness bringing harmonious balance. It presents smoky reductive notes, blossoms, ripe peach, yellow apple and honeyed undertones. A rich, mouthcoating delight with outstanding tension, intensity and personality.
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96 | 5+ |
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Colere Colere Ashmore Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
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Bright and fruity aromatics with rhubarb, red berries, laced with spice, this wine is juicy and savoury with mineral energy, crunchy red fruit and a dusty fine tannin. Subtle herbal notes, elegant, fresh texture, and a chalky end. Serve lightly chilled to accentuate the crunchy red berry fruit – a lively, textural treat. | 94 | 5 |
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Colere Fractal Pinot Noir 2020
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Meaty, powerful, and dense, it showcases dense, brooding red fruits with with a bloody, mineral, almost iron-edged accent. Velvety smooth with fine-grained tannin diffusion on the back of the palate, carries the lengthy finish. A wine of impressive power and potential, promising rewarding cellaring for those who can wait… | 94 | 5 |
