Nowhere are Canterbury’s subregional differences more “Holy Nora!” obvious, than in the wines from Banks Peninsula. Thanks to constant sea breezes, the vines remain clean and dry and the wines extremely pure as a result. This pinot noir rose is pink-diamond-pale, scented with delicate watermelon and raspberry and on the palate there’s a pink grapefruit/blood … Read More
2016
Bannock Brae Cathy’s Central Otago Rosé 2016 $22 (4 stars)
Crafted from 100% pinot noir grown on Catherine and Crawford Brown’s Cairnmuir Road vineyard, this is a super-bright, raspberry and wild cherry-soaked rosé that’ll definitely win friends and influence people this summer. The fruit concentration rocks across the palate, while the nose is so floral and fabulous, it takes some discipline to not dip your … Read More
Gladstone Wairarapa Rosé 2016 $25 (4.5 stars)
I adore the pink diamond-ballet shoe hue of this gorgeous little pinot rose from down Gladstone way and I love its seductive, candied aromas and layers of raspberry, creaming soda and juicy red fruits on the palate. Boasting classic cherry and berries and cream characters alongside lip-puckering acidity makes this absolutely magical. Organically produced by … Read More
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2016 375ml ($35) (4 stars)
I’ve loved Stonecroft gewürztraminer since aeons ago, yet this is the first time I’ve tried it made in a dessert style and I’ve got to say, it’s a real treat. I love the tangy, musky, ginger and lychee flavours, all wrapped up in a layer of manuka honey and spice. The acidity is super-refreshing and … Read More
Black Estate Waipara Rose 2016 $24 (4 stars)
Sweet cranberry, rhubarb and cherry notes on the nose, it’s ultra fruity-fragrant and has instant wham bam appeal. Bursting with cherry and raspberry intensity in the mouth, here’s a rose you won’t forget in a hurry. There’s even a peppery, slightly dense, meaty note which gives it real strength and presence. Sip with warm, spicy, … Read More
Black Estate Circuit Chardonnay 2016 $24 (4 stars)
If you’re looking for a chardonnay bursting with hazelnut, citrus and hints of toast and smoke then this is for you. North Canterbury has real talent for producing chardonnay that shows sensational minerality and combine that with a skilled winemaker who can create creamy, nutty notes in the palate spectrum – then you’ve got a … Read More