Waimea Nelson Albariño 2015

December 1, 2015By Yvonne

Waimea Nelson Albariño 2015 $25 ★★★★★ Albariño is a signature Spanish white variety that clearly loves its new home in Nelson by the looks of things.  The team at Waimea have seriously outdone themselves here with this musk and nectarine scented wine, bursting with tangy pear, peach and apple flavours and finishing with lovely crushed … Read More

Craggy Range Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Rosé 2015

December 1, 2015By Yvonne

Craggy Range Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Rosé 2015 $29 ★★★★ Parcels of merlot and syrah were chosen and blended from Craggy Range’s vineyard in the sun-baked Gimblett Gravels district in Hawke’s Bay, gently pressed and slow-fermented to create a coral-pink wine packed with watermelon, guava and raspberry freshness.  On the palate there’s that zing of … Read More

Waimea Estate Nelson Grüner Veltliner 2015

November 27, 2015By Yvonne

Waimea Estate Nelson Grüner Veltliner 2015 $23 ★★★★ Grüner Veltliner (groon-er velt-leener) is to Austria what sauvignon blanc is to us – but I tell you what, this snappy white wine is absolutely loving our kiwi, cool-climate environment and settling in quite nicely, Nelson being no exception.  This example has light peach, crushed shells, summer … Read More

VNO ‘Skinny’ Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2015

November 27, 2015By Yvonne

VNO ‘Skinny’ Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2015 $16.99 ★★★★ At just 9% alcohol and 96 calories per serve this is definitely on the light side of the swing, and with it’s aromas of soft raspberry, cranberry and cherry, you think it’s going to stay there.  However in the mouth this wine has WAY more punch, with … Read More

VNO ‘Skinny’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015

November 27, 2015By Yvonne

VNO ‘Skinny’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $16.99 ★★★ “Light” or “skinny” wines are here to stay, the category is growing and they’re improving all the time – completely putting me in my place because I was one of the early cynics who thought they’d be just a fad.  With a limey, lemony lift combined with … Read More

Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015

November 24, 2015By Yvonne

Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 $24 ★★★★½ I love the heady quince, spiced apple and peach custard aromas, while in the mouth the wine has a sexy, creamy dryness.  There’s a lovely rich, yet chalky texture to this wine and it’s all wrapped up in a long, full, finish.  Clean, satisfying and … Read More

Mud House Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015

November 24, 2015By Yvonne

Mud House Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $14.99 ★★★★ Scented with apple strudel, poached pear and all sorts of enticing spices, this pinot gris has serious ‘drink me’ factor.  Layered with white fruits and showing a tangy, layered flavour profile – this definitely ticks all the boxes for fruit, style and sippability.  Widely available.

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015

November 24, 2015By Yvonne

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $14.99 ★★★★ Named after the mud-block house that original owners John and Jennifer Joslin built on their Marlborough vineyard, this wine has, over the passing decades and through multiple ownership changes, gone on to do great things.  Now firmly in the hands of a winemaking team headed by Ben … Read More

Black Barn Rosé 2015

November 16, 2015By Yvonne

Black Barn Rosé 2015 $22.90 ★★★★ Winemaker Dave McKee has used merlot to craft a rich style of rosé packed with pomegranate and dried herb flavours and boasting a full, rich mouthfeel and great length of flavour.  It might be super-pale in colour, but for those who prefer a rosé with some meat on its … Read More

Wairau River Marlborough Albarino 2015

October 20, 2015By Yvonne

Wairau River Marlborough Albarino 2015 $25 ★★★★½ Who’d have thought we’d be growing this snappy Spanish white way down in Marlborough AND doing a great job of it? Well, the Rose family at Wairau River are doing just that.  Beautiful aromas of citrus blossom, white peach and summer flowers tease the nose before an onslaught … Read More