Matt’s one of the region’s most highly awarded winemakers and this is his solo pinot project after tenure at Olssens and Akarua. Produced from fruit grown in Bendigo and Lowburn, it’s bottled with a label designed by Taranaki artist Andrew J Steel, whose depicted Matt’s ‘meaningful things’ (expect dogs, fish, goats, guns etc..) Oozing savoury … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $18.99
Incredibly juicy and tropical, this is a passionfruit and lime fest if ever I tasted one. But the other thing I love about this wine is that it’s SO textural. Produced from two Awatere Valley vineyards (Starborough + Long Lane) and a Wairau site (O’Dwyers Farm) the result of the blend is a super-concentrated, lemongrass … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat Aug 12 2017
It’s hardly going to rip anyone’s knickers when I say that one man’s nectar may very well be another man’s engine cleaner. The same wine that sends your tastebuds spiralling into something tantric, might very well send your neighbour speeding to the spittoon. Wine is all about personal taste, it’s such an individual thing. When … Read More
Sileni Estates Springstone Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2015 $35 (4 stars)
Here’s a bold, plump pinot noir weighing in at 14.5% alcohol (high for pinot noir), yet its super lithe, succulent and balanced that it maintains elegance and poise despite having broad shoulders. Classic cherry and spice characters wash with a hint of cola and cocoa and leave a long, fleshy finish. Nicely made and classy … Read More
Astrolabe Wrekin Vineyard Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2013 375ml ($35) (4 stars)
Chenin blanc is a rare thing here in New Zealand in its normal form, so to come across a dessert version sent me straight to my happy place. Baked apples filled with buttery, boozy sultanas, spice and mixed peel all wash across the palate alongside a lick of manuka honey and sweet lime. Delish. www.astrolabewines.co.nz
Sileni Estates Sparkling Cuvée Pinot Gris NV $19 (2.5 stars)
I know packaging shouldn’t matter, but I really loathe those plastic ‘zork’ corks. The colour blue works on very few bottles and my eyes ache trying to digest more than 2 fonts on a label – but if you go beyond all the ‘busyness’ there’s actually an OK wine inside. Aromas of caramel apple brioche … Read More
Allan Scott Late Harvest Marlborough Riesling 2015 375ml ($28) (4.5 stars)
Oh wow. This is like a liquid toffee apple inside your glass. Gloriously golden and unctuous and heavenly honeyed, it’s a wine that’ll silence the table for a few seconds after everyone has their first sip. Caramelised apricot flavours are met with tangy, refreshing acidity which balances out the extreme sweetness and makes it a … Read More
Ataahua Late Harvest Waipara Gewurztraminer 2014 375ml ($26) (4 stars)
If just looking at this golden glass of sweet deliciousness doesn’t seduce you, and turn you into a wobbly fool, then the magically musky, toffee-infused terrificness of this wine absolutely will. Silky and softly spiced, it’s indulgently, dangerously good and deserves to be consumed with a smile. And some of that new Castello truffle cheese … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat Aug 5th 2017
Anyone remotely tuned in to the craft beer community in New Zealand will have noticed an upswing in the number of groovy new brews being released that’ve had a wine influence. While overseas it’s not unusual to see pinot grigio-infused beers, for the most part, kiwi drinkers appear to prefer their porters, dark ales, lagers … Read More
Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2015 $30 (4 stars)
When you see a long, horseshoe-shaped cloud forming over North Canterbury, you know a raging nor-wester is imminent. It’s this wind that helps maintain a natural yield control on the vines, ensuring healthy fruit concentration and spicy intensity in this southern merlot. Crafted by Stephanie Henderson-Grant, expect aromas of bay leaf, rosemary, ripe blackberry and … Read More