Jules Taylor Marlborough Gruner Veltliner 2016 $21.90

With its seductive aromas of ambrosia apple, winter cole pear, caramelized quince, custard apple and peaches, this gorgeous little groo-vee is tangy, crisp and packs a squeak of sunshine into these chilly afternoons.  Edged with a dusting of white pepper and crushed seashells, it’s an excellent local example of an Austrian native. Sip with: sweetbreads […]

Sugar Loaf Marlborough Riesling 2016 $20

This such a lovely riesling I just had to tell you about it pronto! Crafted by genius young winemaker Kate Acland, this deliciously juicy riesling has a splash of natural sweetness, luscious lime and crunchy granny smith apple characters. This is modern Marlborough riesling at it’s best. Beautifully structured and ultra zesty, it’s one of […]

Matawhero Gisborne Pinot Rose 2017 $23 (4stars)

Elevated scents of creaming soda, raspberry, strawberry, soft cherry and apple rise out of the glass and what follows are layers of ultra-tangy, crunchy-crisp, fruit-soaked flavours. Despite 2017 being a challenging vintage in Gisborne, this pinot noir was grown in the Tietjen vineyard grew nicely and got to good ripeness levels, resulting in rose with […]

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

Huia Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $23

Expect a cheek-slappingly good explosion of passionfruit, lime zest, red capsicum, gooseberry and all manner of herbaceous heroism in this fully-certified, organic sauvignon blanc. Grown on the Allan family’s Boyces Road vineyard, it’s got power, drive and pluckiness on the palate and finishes with freshness, power and precision.  What to pair with this wine? Sip […]

Liberty Wines Les Vignes de L’eglise Merlot Grenache IGP Pays D‘OC 2014 $23 (3.5 stars)

IGP means ‘indication géographique protégée’ which is one of the new French classification terms.  It indicates some of the best value for money brands in the land, and I’ll tell you what, this is indeed a lithe little lovely from the Languedoc.  It’s not often you get a blend of merlot and grenache in your […]

Yering Station Little Yering Yarra Valley Shiraz Viognier 2012 $23 (4 stars)

I just love it when shiraz is tizzied up with a splash of viognier.  Just a tiny amount of viognier can elevate the dark fruit and spice aromatics of shiraz into floral realms of freshness that you’ve got to experience.  I also love that this wine presents in a slimline, elegant bottle – which just […]

Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Albarino 2016 $22 (3.5 stars)

Guillaume Thomas & Esther Smith are two of the nicest new wine growers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. They’re young, ultra-industrious and always gun for the best.  They’ve planted a tiny little vineyard high up on the Waimarama Road and turn out stunning examples of wine like this local incarnation of the spanish classic. […]

Greenhough Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $20 (4 stars)

Nelson offers all sorts of niceness in a sauvignon blanc style that’s got a personality all of its own. Pretty, punchy and prickled with crushed nettles, bruised lemongrass and fresh passionfruit, this certified organic sauvignon erupts with zesty acidity, some sneaky oak notes and mountains of minerality on the finish. www.greenhough.co.nz

Dopff & Irion Cuvée René Dopff Alsace Riesling 2014 $22 (4.5 stars)

Here’s a definite new favourite for me, because I adore this style of riesling that’s packed with pure lime and green apple on the nose, crushed shells and wet stones.  It’s a dry style, yet has some gloriously crunchy, natural sweetness allowing a round, citrus-focused mid-palate and a generously cleansing finish.  Love it! www.wineseeker.co.nz