Nelson might be claiming fame as the ‘aromatics capital’ of the country, but Garry and Valley Neale at Brightwater are determined their sauvignon blanc isn’t ignored. They don’t need to worry. I love the bright, lemony and floral flavours that leap from the glass and there’s classic elderflower and passionfruit for Africa. Tangy, generous and … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.95
How pretty is this label? Almost as pretty as the gorgeous, organically produced, passionfruit fest inside the bottle I reckon. Incredibly tropical and herbaceous, this sauvignon is super sexy and erupts with pea pod, rubbed basil, lemonade and lime curd notes all over the place. Ant Moore is serious talent when it comes to winemaking … Read More
JK.14 Tre Fratelli DOC Treviso Prosecco NV $24.99
JK.14 Tre Fratelli DOC Treviso Prosecco NV $24.99 Crafted by the Bartholomiol brothers in conjunction with importer John Kirwan, this spritely prosecco has super-pale colour, teeny tiny bubbles in the glass and complex, unusual aromas that are slightly salty, almost creamy and totally suit its dry, chalky character. In the mouth the texture has all … Read More
Leveret IQ Premium Brut NV Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle NV $16.95
No holds barred, this is absolutely one of my favourite ways to get fizzicle. ‘IQ’ means ‘improving quietly’ and this bold, biscuity, creamy, cashew-laden bubbly has been doing just that, aging on its yeast lees for 7 years to develop these delicate smoky notes, white peach, lemon shortbread and a long, luscious texture. Crafted by … Read More
Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Mendoza Malbec 2013 $43.00
I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this little bit of magic from Mendoza. It’s deliciously balanced and juicy and I love the layers of liquorice, wild pork and pepper and I also just love love love the label! It … Read More
Seresin Chiaroscuro Marlborough Pinot Gris/Riesling/Chardonnay 2012 $43.00
Named after an ancient artistic term to describe the contrast of light and dark, in the 2012 Chiaroscuro, Seresin’s winemakers have created something altogether mesmeric. A blend of three co-fermented (where different grapes are crushed, juiced and fermented together) parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, it shows enticing, mineral-driven aromas with hints of toasted … Read More
Expatrius Advenus Waiheke Sauvignon/Viognier 2013 $39.50
Sauvignon blanc blended with viognier? Get out of the CBD! Yet Luc Desbonnet is a winemaker without boundaries, just a desire to create gorgeous white wine styles. I think he’s onto something with this quirky combo. The juice of both varieties is fermented in a combo of tanks and in new oak barrels to create … Read More
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $50.00
In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid mostly) to restore the vines and get the decrepit, but legendary winery back up to scratch. It’s clearly worked. There’s a bold, fleshy plum and cocoa character to this wine, complete with grippy tannins, smoky warmth … Read More
Crossroads Winemakers Collection Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2012 $42.99
You don’t scoop Gold medals and trophies at international competitions just by turning up do you? If you’re this cracker of a Bordeaux blend crafted by the legendary Miles Dineen, you opt to crash across the palate and make a monster of an impression. Bold, savoury black olive, soy and dark berry flavour concentration leads … Read More
Kalleske Pirathon Barossa Shiraz 2014 $39.99
Pirathon happens to be an ancient word used to describe a peak or pinnacle and that’s exactly what the team at Kalleske feel they have here. Shiraz is the Barossa’s best grape and Kalleske’s growers up in the Greenock, Moppa, Belvedere, Stonewell, Seppeltsfield, Koonunga and Ebenezer districts of the North West are the best there … Read More