This is about as natural as it gets for gewurztraminer production. Nicola and Geoff Wright are organic pioneers in Gisborne and alongside not adding any herbicides, insecticides or fungicides, they’re also not adding any yeast, opting instead for wild, ‘natural’ yeasts to conduct the ferment. This results in a funkier, dryer style, laced with lychee … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Wrights Gisborne Chardonnay 2015 $28
Crafted by organic pioneers Geoff and Nicola Wright from fruit grown in their Manutuke and Ormond vineyards, this is a different style of chardonnay in that its scented with green apple, lime and hints of nashi amongst the more signature peach, nougat and grapefruit. There’s a smidge of roasty, toasty oak, a whiff of smoke … Read More
Tony Bish Skeetfield Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $56
Prepare for heaping wads of hazelnut, citrus pith, white peach and nutmeg on the nose followed by gorgeous, grapefruit, smoked pineapple and waves of juiciness which flow constantly across the palate. Crafted from old vine, dry farmed, Mendoza-clone chardonnay from a vineyard named after Brick Gunn, champion NZ Skeet Shooter, this wine is beautifully balanced … Read More
Natural Wine Co. Organic Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $19.99
Certified organic chardonnay here from Geoff and Nicola Wright, chardonnay that has a distinct ‘struck match’ aroma, smoky, flinty layers that once pushed through, give way to a ripe, rich, viscose palate packed with peach, caramelised, toasty characters, butterscotch and nutty notes on the finish. It’s a complex little chardonnay with bright acidity and a … Read More
Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $23 (4 star)
Here’s a bold, stonefruit-soaked southern pinot gris that boasts honeysuckle, baking spices, roast peach and loads of tangy acidity and lifted florals. It’s juicy, succulent and a really satisfying example that any pinot gris fan will fawn over – especially with a fluffy blue cheese soufflé and pear and rocket salad. www.akarua.com
Te Pa Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $19 (4.5 star)
Golden, glossy and gorgeous in the glass and a trophy winner weighing in at under $20 – how great is that? Sweetly perfumed with roast pear and apple strudel notes, spice and lifted, peachy flavours. It’s tangy and fruity to drink yet it finishes zesty and dry. There’s a lovely zingy texture on that coats … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Pinot Gris 2016 $25 (3.5 star)
Aged on its yeast lees (what’s left over once the yeast finishes fermenting), this Wairarapa-grown gris is deliciously dry, lean, clean and shows an edge of apple skin, nashi juice and white pepper. There’s a splash of citrus on the finish and it’s got some good persistence on the palate. Grown organically and clearly there’s … Read More
St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $55.99 (4.5 stars)
Here’s a gorgeously glossy, eucalypt and herb-scented little star that’s classic Coonawarra through and through. Blackcurrant, white pepper, smoky, cedar notes, loads of florals and a burst of black olive makes itself known on the finish. It’s a masculine, complex example that’s leathery, earthy and definitely drinking nicely now. www.firstglass.co.nz
Unison Gimblett Gravels Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010 $57 (4 stars)
Maturing nicely, this classic Gimblett Gravels cabernet oozes bouquet garni aromas, cocoa, mint and graphite alongside a squeak of vanilla and blackberry. The acidity is still right up front, while the tannin layers are softening into a support structure as opposed to being a chewy-dry mouthful. Savoury, peppery, leathery notes show themselves on the finish … Read More
wine column week commencing 17th June, 2017
We’re in the middle of June. June! How did this even happen so quickly? It’s like our year is David Hasselhoff and he just pressed the ‘turbo boost’ button on KIT’s dashboard (GenY’s and Millenials will be furiously Googling now I’m sure) Some people are winter people and that’s fabulous, however I’m not one of … Read More