I’ve sipped my way through the new Whistling Buoy releases from Canterbury and they’re rather snazzy… Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (5 stars) Wow. Here’s one ultra-juicy, exotically-scented, super-charged pinot noir from under the southern sun. Kokolo is a vineyard on a sheltered site at the head of Lyttleton and clearly … Read More
banks peninsula
French Peak Banks Peninsula Rosé 2016 $20 (4 stars)
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
Lake Forsyth Banks Peninsula Pinot Gris 2009
Lake Forsyth Banks Peninsula Pinot Gris 2009 $32 I really like this style of pinot gris. It manages that delicious balance between the dry and mineral notes on the nose and palate and the rich, white peach and quince flavours in the mouth. There’s a lovely creamy layer of complexity which adds depth and dimension … Read More