Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its namesake. Vibrant, slightly nutty and packed with … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Canvas column week commencing 11th June, 2016
Saint Clair ‘Dawn’ Methode Traditionelle 2012 $49 Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its … Read More
Swan’s Flight Marlborough Semillon 2013 $18.50
Crafted by Georges Michel’s winemaker daughter Swan, this is a superb ‘cheese board’ wine for those late afternoon loungearounds. Toasted, smoky notes indicate a touch of barrel fermentation across freshly-baled hay, dried herbs and soft, lemony, limey flavours. Sip with a chunk of sheeps milk pecorino or tangy goats cheese www.georgesmichel.com
Kirrihill Clare Valley Shiraz 2014 $16.50
Saturated with inky-dark garnet red, this Clare Valley shiraz oozes classic cocoa, prune, pepper and blackberry characters. Hearty, ribsticking and velvety-smooth, this is a plump, plush, buxom example that’ll have you rooting around in your freezer for home kill and the pantry for your crockpot. Sip with sticky lamb shanks and polenta Distributed by www.mthillary.com
Riverby Estate Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2014 $23
You should SO make it your mission to sip Grüner Veltliner (grooner-velt-leener) this season. Aromas of white flowers, almonds, crushed seashells and lemon lead the way to white flesh peach, soft citrus and tantalisingly textural layers on the finish. Grüner is native to Austria, it’s their signature white wine – their sauvignon blanc if you … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 19th June, 2016
Fretting over the cost of dry firewood? I concur. However these three wines will warm your cockles and shiver your timbers and won’t overheat your wallet… Riverby Estate Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2014 $23 You should SO make it your mission to sip Grüner Veltliner (grooner-velt-leener) this season. Aromas of white flowers, almonds, crushed seashells … Read More
Wine and food matching 2016
Wine and food matching. The fact that it’s even a thing is the relatively recent result of American neo-prohibitionists in1970’s demanding that if alcoholic beverages were to be served anywhere, then suitable food needed to be provided. So canny restaurateurs clicked rather quickly that if you’re going to do it, do it well and put … Read More
Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $25 ★★★★½
Born in the now nationally-reverred Rifleman’s Vineyard which lies in a secret spot inland-west of Napier in Puketapu’s Dartmoor Valley, this is an ‘impress-your-friends’ chardonnay if ever I tasted one. Prepare for a burst of fennel, peach and vanilla, alongside some white pepper and a big, juicy, satisfying texture. It’s fat, fresh and fabulous. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Tiki Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $23 ★★★★½
Crafted by winemaking legend Evan Ward, this wine oozes smoked apricot, toasty nectarine and oatmealy, creamy flavours. There’s a gently juicy texture, silky citrus and vanilla-infused spices wash around the back teeth. And it’s rich, fulfilling and rather fabulous.This is a great wine from a chardonnay master at work. For stockists visit www.tikiwine.com
Alchemy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $27 ★★★★
Google will have you believe that Alchemy is defined as “a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination” This wine however, has had much calculated thought put into it by owner Neal Cave and winemaker Ant Mackenzie. Clones 15 and ENTAV-548, were handpicked, 100% barrel fermented in 30% new French oak and given a … Read More