Corofin Settlement Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $49.90 (5 star)

February 10, 2018By Yvonne

With its ever-so-pale pink label of this Omaka Valley-grown pinot, you’d imagine it might be a lightweight, yet it’s as deeply complex and beguiling as a forbidden love. Un-fined and un-filtered, it boasts soft cherry and hedgerow fruits and smells like you’ve walked into a Chinese apothecary. Exotic, earthy and incredibly succulent to sip. Sip … Read More

Brookfields Indulgence Hawke’s Bay Botrytis Viognier 2016 $25 (5 stars)

February 10, 2018By Yvonne

Viognier (vee-yon-yay) made into a dessert wine is rare occurrence, yet Peter Robertson at Brookfields is the master and commander of the style. Scented with jasmine and citrus oils, followed by toffee and marmalade intensity on the nose and palate, caramelized mixed peel flavours and the most luxuriously sweet, tangy finish, I give it 6 … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column Sat 10th February 2018

February 10, 2018By Yvonne

Valentines Day cometh, so get your skates on and woo up a storm with these three love potions… Brookfields Indulgence Hawke’s Bay Botrytis Viognier 2016 $25 (5 star) Viognier (vee-yon-yay) made into a dessert wine is rare occurrence, yet Peter Robertson at Brookfields is the master and commander of the style. Scented with jasmine and … Read More

Ata Rangi Crimson Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (4 stars)

February 7, 2018By Yvonne

The team at Ata Rangi are head-over-kite nuts about pohutukawa trees and re-establishing native rata in the lower North Island where it once flourished, henceforth, sales of every bottle of this succulent, juicy pinot go towards the Project Crimson charitable conservation trust. Tamarillo, spicy cherry and black quava burst forth on the nose and palate, … Read More

Two Rivers Brookby Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $19.99 (4 stars)

February 7, 2018By Yvonne

The 2016 won a gold medal at the 2017 NZ International Wine Show because it seduced the judges with its nashi and nectarine nuances, prickly, sexy texture, sweet, ripe perfume and cleansing length of flavour. I reckon this new version is just as delicious. Made by the dangerously talented (and not shabby looking) Dave Clouston, … Read More

Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2014 $40 (4 stars)

February 7, 2018By Yvonne

A veritable aristocrat amongst local bubbles, the new release methode from Palliser has lovely lifted aromas of rising dough, almond meal and lemon shortbread alongside a smooth, rich, generously textured palate. It’s a fresh, frisky fizz with tiny, elegant bubbles, creamy mousse and a long, tongue-tingling finish. Stylish and sophisticated sparkles that’ll win friends and … Read More

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Rosé NV $74.99 (4 stars)

February 7, 2018By Yvonne

This is the 200th year since Madame Clicquot became the first to create a blended rosé from her finest Bouzy reds and her classic champagne. If the aromas of cranberry bagel, rising dough and cashew don’t woo you, then the long, generously-tempered mouthfeel, pinprick effervescence, creamy mousse and subtle raspberry notes on the finish will … Read More

Spade Oak Heart of Gold Gisborne Tempranillo Rosé $23 (4.5 stars)

February 6, 2018By Yvonne

This is such a pretty, trout-pink coloured wine in the glass and on the nose it bursts with raspberry marshmallow, watermelon and hints of cherry. There’s even a touch of creaming soda and tamarillo in there too. Succulent, saucy and served chilled with a bowl full of bhuja mix it’s just perfect. Or if you’re … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 3rd Feb 2018

February 6, 2018By Yvonne

You’re not in Montana now Doctor Ropata… Last week Bob Campbell MW, (one of New Zealand’s most influential and experienced wine commentators) discovered that the 2017 vintage of the iconic Montana Sauvignon Blanc was not (as it has been for decades) from Marlborough, not even from New Zealand in fact. It was from Australia. Australian … Read More

Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $26

February 6, 2018By Yvonne

Lately this corset-strapped strumpet of a wine has been throwing herself at everyone who looks in her direction or has their ears open, because she’s been bouncing her bustle all over big city radio too. If you’re a fan of big, buxom, cuddly, fruit-soaked pinot noir with a spicy kick then this will sort you … Read More