Torlesse Cassis Liqueur 375ml $20 (4 stars)

February 22, 2018By Yvonne

Oh wow! Blackcurrant alert! This 18% alc liqueur is super-fresh, incredibly precise, pure fruit and a lovely, grippy, tangy texture to finish. Delicious on its own as a sexy little tipple, or mix it with lemonade or soda water, enormous ice cubes and a sprig of mint or basil to boost it. Gorgeous stuff indeed. … Read More

Torlesse Reserve Tawny Port 375ml $20 (3.5 stars)

February 22, 2018By Yvonne

Kym Rayner at Torlesse in North Canterbury began a port solera system in 1992 meaning that today, his non-vintage tawny port releases contain wine components from barrels that are up to 25 years old! Think rich, dried sultanas and currants, sweet leather and buckets of spice that lead to a long, caramelized finish. www.torlesse.co.nz

Coal Pit Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $24.95

February 20, 2018By Yvonne

Coal Pit Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $24.95  I love the aromas of freshly steamed broad beans, sweet peas, passionfruit curd and lemon in this wine.  They’re followed by the same and more on the palate, including herbaceous, lemongrassy goodness from their Gibbston site on the finish.  Winemaker Lynn Horton has captured all the good … Read More

Judge Rock Central Otago St. Laurent 2014 $35 (4.5 stars)

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

St Laurent is an ancient grape very closely associated with pinot noir, one sip and you’ll see why. Judge Rock are absolute rock stars in that they’ve taken the signature red grape of Austria and given it a happy home on the sun-scorched slopes of Alexandra. Exotically scented with black tea, red fruits, dried herbs, … Read More

Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $21 (4 stars)

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

It’s a rare thing in NZ to find rosé made from 100% cabernet franc and this one is a real cracker. Pretty, trout-pink in the glass, it bursts with raspberry marshmallow, watermelon and hints of cherry on the nose. There’s even a touch of creaming soda and tamarillo in there too. Fresh, succulent, saucy and … Read More

Astrolabe Wrekin Vineyard Marlborough Chenin Blanc 2015 $25 (4.5 stars)

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

Simon Waghorn and his wife Jane Forrest-Waghorn set up Astrolabe in Marlborough back in 1996 after years of making wine in Australia and Gisborne. I love that they’ve taken a leap and planted chenin blanc because it produces an apple and honeysuckle-scented dry white wine that’s rarely seen in NZ. Zesty, fresh and feisty, it’s … Read More

Tinpot Hut Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $22 (4.5 stars)

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

Tinpot Hut’s owner and winemaker Fiona Turner began developing her vineyard in the Awatere Valley with husband Hamish back in 2005. At 12 years old, the vines are maturing nicely. Named after the historic landmark frequented by local high country, Marlborough musterers, this super-sippable wine has won more awards than you can sling a screwcap … Read More

Smoking Loon California Merlot 2014 $21.90 (4 stars)

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

The glittery cap immediately appeals to my wannabe glamazon, while the intricate silver, cigar-smoking loon bird motif is semi-hypnotic. On the nose it’s incredibly fruity, chocka with raspberry, red plum and ultra-easy spices, sweet fruit and chocolate. If you’re still reeling from Miles’ rant in the movie ‘Sideways’ where he announces “I’m leaving. I am … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat Feb 17

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

Wondering what to sip with all that Valentine’s Day chocolate you got last week? I absolutely adore a good, Aussie, sparkling Shiraz with anything remotely chocolatey. It’s a rich, robustly spicy, fizzy red wine; and while that may sound sickening to some, believe me when I’ve spent a hot, dusty day in the outback fending … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday 17th Feb 2018

February 17, 2018By Yvonne

Trigger an Italian stallion stampede with these exotic examples… Vigneti del Vulture Pipoli Basilicata IGP Greco Fiano 2016 $20.21 Here’s a 60:40 blend of greco (gree-ko) and fiano (fee-ah-no) grapes from Acerenza in the Basilicata region of Italy. The greco is responsible for the lime and herbaceous layers while fiano adds white florals, white peach, … Read More