The 2022 Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection



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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

Colere Rosato Pinot Noir 2022

Colere Wines - The Real Review

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

 

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

 

Colere Holon Chardonnay 2020

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

Colere Chenin Blanc Wrekin 2021

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.

 

96 5+

 

Colere Colere Ashmore Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

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

 

Colere Fractal Pinot Noir 2020

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