Grove Mill Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2013 $22 ★★★★★ Gewurz-hounds ahoy! If you go gaga for classic lychee-soaked, ginger-kissed, peach-packed gewürztraminer, then this little gem will have you swooning. Especially when you find out it’s a mere $22. The perfume is exotic, the fruit sweet and tangy, and it feels mouthwatering and silky to drink. Why are … Read More
2013
Mahana Clays and Gravels Nelson Pinot Noir 2013
Mahana Clays and Gravels Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 $42 ★★★★½ Nelson produces some of the best pinot noir in the country and this is a great example of why. I love the aromas of tea, baked strawberries, cherries and all manner of earthy-sweet smokiness. ‘Mahana’ means ‘warm’ in Maori and there’s definitely smoothness and warmth … Read More
Bellbird Spring ‘Block Eight’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Bellbird Spring ‘Block Eight’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $30 ★★★★★ This is a beautifully aromatic, organic sauvignon grown on Waipara’s ‘Glasnevin Gravels’. Made by Guy Porter, it shows soft, finely tuned oak influence, elderflower, white peach and lemony characters. It’s a stunning exercise in restraint with all the flavours and textures working in harmony, finishing with complex … Read More
Clearview Two Pinnacles Malbec Cabernet Franc 2013
Clearview Two Pinnacles Malbec Cabernet Franc 2013 $29 ★★★★ Named after the two jagged rocky pinnacles clinging to life against the relentless Cape Kidnappers surf down the road from Clearview on the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay – this wine has real ‘edge’ and complexity. Unfiltered and oozing deep damson plum, pepper and smoky tones … Read More
Spade Oak Voysey Gisborne Syrah Tempranillo 2013
Spade Oak Voysey Gisborne Syrah Tempranillo 2013 $23 ★★★½ Tempranillo might be the signature red grape in the Spanish Rioja wines, yet over in Gisborne, Steve Voysey has had a crack at blending it with syrah which has its h0me in France’s Southern Rhone region. It’s resulted in a wine with sweet, almost medicinal aromas … Read More
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013 $25 ★★★★★ Outrageously good. So good in fact it was selected a one of just twelve wines to represent the very best of the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation from the much lauded 2013 vintage. That it’s only $25 a bottle is quite staggering because it tastes better than … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013 $16.95 ★★★★ Well I for one did a little dance after tasting this wine because not only is it bright and berry-stacked on the nose, but it’s loaded with plum, boysenberry and attractive vanilla, spice and smoky notes on the palate. It’s a warm, cuddly, silky and slippery … Read More
Church Road Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2013
Church Road Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2013 $20 ★★★★★ I really, really, really, really like this wine for loads of reasons. It’s not just its elegant aromas of peppercorn, plum, violet and red fruits freshly dusted with cocoa powder, or its buoyant acidity and ethereal texture or even its sandy, emery-like tannins with just the right … Read More
St John’s Road ‘Line & Length’ Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
St John’s Road ‘Line & Length’ Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $20 ★★★½ Here’s a bottle of banging Barossa cabernet that’ll tick all your boxes if you’re looking for bolshy sweet plum and blackcurrant notes, chocolate, peppercorn and classic minty characters. There’s a plush, fleshy sweetness, fruitcake spices and a smoky, toasty finish that just cries … Read More
Orlandi Contucci Rubiolo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2013
Orlandi Contucci Rubiolo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2013 $24 ★★★½ I LOVE that this Italian wine smells like Christmas cake, all cloves, mixed peel, allspice and cranberry. In the mouth it is savoury, smooth, juicy and ultra-earthy, with hints of leather and pepper. Light & fleshy. For stockists near you contact Macvine International 09 5797451