Malbec has the most incredible, deep,inky purple colour, which gives gloss to this deeply complex, dried herb, bitter cocoa and blackberry-soaked Cahors-style blend. The stunningly terraced Tironui Vineyard is perched right at the top of the Sugar Loaf Hill, overlooking The Mission in Taradale and captures the all-day sun. This is a big, tannic red … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Vina Pomal Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2013 $24.00
This Tempranillo-tastic red was originally created way back in 1908 and has been a huge Spanish favourite ever since. “You cannot get more Spanish than this wine” says our lovely importer Tomas, and we absolutely believe him. Smell that deliciously dusty vanilla note while you’re pouring each glass? That’s a classic result of it being … Read More
JK.14 Mamma Piave Manzoni Bianco 2015 $26.99
“Just do what Mamma says, and we all stay happy…” it what it says on the front label of the bottle of this super-complex bottle of pinot bianco. The nose has a seriously floral perfume, almost pollen-like, with hints of your grandmothers face cream. Sounds odd, but it’s oddly lovely. In the mouth there’s a … Read More
Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings White Central Otago Blended White 2014 $24.95
A truly mesmeric blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Muscat crafted by Jody Pagey and Len Ibbotson – from grapes grown on a rather special patch of dirt down the end of Felton Road in Bannockburn. I’m a huge fan of blended, aromatic whites because they’re so exotic and complex. This example is spicy-dry, … Read More
Te Mania Three Brothers Nelson Merlot/Malbec/Cab Franc 2015 $24.99
Winemaker Steve Gill has outdone himself here, creating a cheek-slappingly good Bordeaux-style red blend from supremely ripe Nelson fruit. Heaving at the seams with dense, dark berryfruit, juicy Christmas pudding spices, smoky oak, ultra-ripe berryfruit and red apple. I’m guilty of not thinking of Nelson when it comes to sourcing bold, merlot-based wines – but … Read More
Element Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2015 $25.00
Brand spanking new from the newest producer in New Zealand’s most famous red wine growing district, here’s an intensely lifted and fragrant, floral and spicy wine that also oozes blackberry and cocoa notes. I love the peppery liquorice and dried rosemary flavours on the mid palate which merge with bold, dark fruit, muscular, meaty tannins … Read More
Renato Nelson Merlot 2014 $27.90
Intensely lifted and floral, this shows plum blossom and black forrest essences which ooze through on the nose and palate. Highly youthful acidity and fine, emery-like tannins lead to a ripe yet ultimately elegant and very Bordeaux-like Merlot. It’s a sophisticated example from Nelson, (a region WAY more famous for its pinot noir, chardonnays and … Read More
Three Dark Horses Single Vineyard Romano McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 $25.00
This is exactly what gold medal shiraz should taste like! I love love love the florals and blackcurrant leaf aromatics, waves of vanilla and soft, juicy, succulent fruit wash across the palate in the 3DH (that’s what the cool kids call it). Lots of generous chocolate layers appear too. The mouthfeel is plush and plump, … Read More
De Morgenzon DMZ Western Cape Syrah 2013 $29.99
Intensely herbaceous, almost botanical elements on the nose combine with black olive, soy and smoky, savoury notes to create a bold, meaty mouthfeel. Add to that the big, chewy, furry tannins that buoy the dark fruits and cocoa layers, leaving a distinct leathery impression on the finish – and you’ve got a huge, take-no-prisoners syrah … Read More
Pask Small Batch Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $29.00
This is one of those wines that when someone pours it from across the room, you can smell it metres away. Winemaker Kate Radburnd is a cabernet perfectionist and only the best go to bottle in a ‘small batch’. Classic cabernet aromas of liquorice, leather, menthol and bitter cocoa. I love the underlying Christmas pudding … Read More