Sam Kim Wine Orbit Reviews 2020
13 Oct
Pinot Gris 2018
93 Points, 5 Stars
Fabulously ripe and varietally expressive, the wine shows ripe peach, apricot, poached pear and
subtle spice aromas on the nose, followed by a beautifully rounded palate that’s succulent and
fleshy. It’s flavoursome and soothing with a lengthy tasty finish. At its best: now to 2022.
Sauvignon Blanc 2019
90 Points, 4.5 Stars
Fresh and lively, the wine shows green apple, grapefruit, nectarine and lemon zest characters on
the nose, leading to a flavoursome palate that’s juicy and pristine. It’s youthfully attractive and
delightfully drinkable. At its best: now to 2022.
Viognier 2019
93 Points, 5 Stars
It’s gorgeously fruited and complex on the nose, showing apricot, mango, vanilla and roasted
hazelnut characters. The palate delivers excellent weight and richness, wonderfully
complemented by silky texture and juicy acidity. Generous and highly appealing. At its best: now
to 2023.
Chardonnay 2019
91 Points, 4.5 Stars
It’s delightfully fruited and fragrant on the nose showing golden peach, fig, vanillin oak and subtle
spice notes, leading to a beautifully rounded palate that’s smooth and creamy. The wine offers
lovely fruit intensity together with elegant oak infusion, making it fabulously drinkable. At its best:
now to 2023.
Reserve Chardonnay 2018
94 Points, 5 Stars
The wine offers terrific richness as well as refinement, showing golden peach, baked fig, spicy oak
and brioche characters on the nose. The palate displays excellent concentration combined with
creamy texture and expansive mouthfeel, finishing long and delectable. At its best: now to 2025.
The Archer Chardonnay 2018
95 Points, 5 Stars
A stunning rendition of the variety, showing golden peach, mango, lemon peel, French vanilla and
roasted nut characters on the nose. The palate is equally impressive with excellent concentration
and weight, wonderfully complemented by creamy mouthfeel and beautifully pitched acidity. It’s
harmonious, complex and super long on the finish. At its best: now to 2025.
Gewurztraminer 2018
91 Points, 4.5 Stars
Beautifully ripe and inviting, the bouquet shows golden peach, rock melon, lychee and floral
characters with a hint of spicy complexity. It’s succulent and fleshy on the palate, delivering lovely
weight and attractive fruit intensity, making it delightfully drinkable. At its best: now to 2022.
Reserve Gewurztraminer 2018
93 Points, 5 Stars
This is richly fruited and immediately appealing on the nose showing mango, lychee, Turkish
Delight and orange peel aromas, followed by a concentrated palate that’s generously textured
and persistent. It’s creamy and silky with delectable fruit flavours. At its best: now to 2023.
Pinot Noir 2018
87 Points, 4 Stars
It’s gently lifted on the nose showing spiced cherry, mushroom, olive, game and warm spice
aromas, followed by a nicely rounded palate that’s supple and smooth. The wine offers attractive
fruit flavours with savoury undertones, making it a lovely food partner. At its best: now to 2022.
Cabernet Franc 2018
86 Points, 4 stars
Sweetly fruited and nicely fragrant, the bouquet shows spiced cherry, dried herb, clove and
hazelnut characters with a hint of vanilla complexity. It’s succulent and supple on the palate,
displaying lovely weight and roundness, leading to a lengthy silky finish. At its best: now to 2023.
Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2019
91 Points, 4.5 Stars
It’s delightfully fruited and complex on the nose showing blackcurrant, sweet plum, cigar, cedar
and floral aromas, followed by a beautifully weighted palate that’s finely textured and lingering.
It’s wonderfully harmonious with elegance and refinement, classically structured by fine chalky
tannins. At its best: now to 2027.
Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2019
93 Points, 5 Stars
Upfront and splendidly appealing, the fragrant bouquet shows dried apricot, marmalade and
lemon sorbet characters with a lovely spicy overtone. It’s beautifully ripe and wonderfully2q
textured with delicious sweetness backed by refreshing acidity, making it highly enjoyable. At its
best: now to 2023.
Noble Semillon 2017
94 Points, 5 Stars
This is hugely appealing; the complex bouquet shows Manuka honey, toasted spice, candied
orange peel and potpourri aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that’s plush and creamy. It’s
gorgeously sweet, wonderfully framed by bright acidity, offering excellent balance and
persistency. At its best: now to 2023.