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YVONNE LORKINA fan of all things fermented...Get in touchscroll down to read my latest reviews -
Co-Founder & Chief Tasting Officer WineFriend Owner/Executive Producer Thirsty Media Ltdscroll down to read my latest reviews
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Wine Writer NZ Herald CANVASscroll down to read my latest reviewsWine & Beverages WriterdishMagazine
I’m super-proud to be the co-founder and CTO (Chief Tasting Officer) of WineFriend, the best personalised wine delivery service this side of the black stump. We help our customers navigate the vast number of wines out there in the marketplace then we match them to wines that unique and awesomely tasty. Read more about WineFriend
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Orlando Centenary Hill Heritage Vines Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
October 13, 2021Orlando Centenary Hill Heritage Vines Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015 $70 Orlando Wines, Barossa Valley’s first commercial winery, is located in the city of Rowland Flat, South Australia. The first vines that were cuttings of Rieslings from Germany were planted by founder Johann Gramp in 1847 in Barossa’s Jacobs Creek. This wine was under that brand … Read More
October 13, 2021
CRAGGY RANGE Gimblett Gravels LE SOL 2019 $150 2021 marks 20 years since the very first Le Sol syrah was produced and since then it’s only been released when the fruit is faultless and every vintage has a skite sheet stacked with accolades from across the globe. 2019 is next level. The Le Sol style … Read More
PEGASUS BAY BEL CANTO NORTH CANTERBURY DRY RIESLING 2020 $40
October 13, 2021PEGASUS BAY BEL CANTO NORTH CANTERBURY DRY RIESLING 2020 $40 Grown on the Glasnevin gravels in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, Pegasus Bay’s riesling vines are 30+ yrs old now and each year they strap in to help the Donaldson family create one of New Zealand’s most age-worthy wines. Named after matriarch Christine Donaldson … Read More
Brise Maritime Méditerranée Rosé 2020
October 13, 2021Brise Maritime Méditerranée Rosé 2020 $14-$19 From the IGP Méditerranée subregion of Provence comes a rosé crafted from Grenache Noir, Cinsault & Syrah that’s loaded with white peach, soft citrus and berries and cream characters. Richly structured yet refreshing, cashew-dusted marshmallow notes make this a dangerously easy-to-endure rosé. Chill first, enjoy after. Widely available.
Saint Louis de Provence Rosé 2020
October 13, 2021Saint Louis de Provence Rosé 2020 $19 From the Estandon cooperative comes this refreshing rosé roaring with redcurrant and watermelon flavours comes from fruit grown in the Côteaux Varois subregion of Provence in Southern France. Blended from a combo of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, it’s a snappy, softly spiced, saline-edged style that finishes creamy-dry … Read More
Bernard et Olivier Coste Rose Montrose 2020
October 13, 2021Bernard et Olivier Coste Rose Montrose 2020 $(tbc) Organically grown grenache, cabernet sauvignon and syrah from the Côtes de Thongue appellation have been carefully shepherded into a rosé style and blended by Olivier Coste, whose family have grown grapes since 1701. This coral-coloured, stylishly spiced, apple and melon-driven example is ultra-refreshing, cleansing and deliciously dry … Read More
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer 2021
October 12, 2021Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer 2021 $23 Boasting classic rose petal, frangipane and gingerbread aromas which quickly morph into generously dry, rich, roasted peachy flavours in the mouth. Luscious, lengthy and loaded with personality and charm, winemaker Paul Dawick has done a delicious job with a wine produced only in special years. Millsreef.co.nz
Astrolabe Comelybank Waihopai Pinot Noir 2019
October 12, 2021Astrolabe Comelybank Waihopai Pinot Noir 2019 $50 If you hear wine people waffling on about the pinot noir characters that come from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys and you’re struggling to relate, then all you need to do is sip this. The Comelybank site, owned by Jeff and Vanessa Hammond, is located near the confluence of the … Read More
Orlando Lawson’s Padthaway Shiraz 2016
October 11, 2021Orlando Lawson’s Padthaway Shiraz 2016 $70 Inky dark and oozing bold spices, dutch cocoa, layers of liquorice, blackcurrant and seasoned saddle leather, it’s a shiraz that’s so velvety, smooth and warm, it literally cuddles your tastebuds. Plump, plush and pulsing with energy and personality. I love it. Orlando
te Pā Marlborough Riesling 2020
October 11, 2021te Pā Marlborough Riesling 2020 $19 Sourced from the Wiffen family’s silty soiled Omaka North vineyard, this riesling was picked and pressed in the wee small hours of April 2nd 2020, cold-settled and fermented cool in a stainless steel tank. The ferment was stopped by hard-cooling right when the wine hit that perfect balance between … Read More
Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2021
October 11, 2021Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2021 $21 If the stunning colour doesn’t rip your rompers, the instant hit of red apple and raspberry, a face smash of watermelon, creaming soda and cherry will finish the job in fantastic fashion. Crisp, punchy, citrus-stacked and deliciously dry, it’s a bright, refreshing, stylish sip. Maison Noire
Ate Eastern Australia Pinot Grigio 2019
October 10, 2021Ate Eastern Australia Pinot Grigio 2019 $22 Yes it sounds a little like ‘pinot gris’ and yes it tastes a little like ‘pinot gris’ but lordy lord, this pinot grigio is all sorts of different. Dry, lipsmackingly crunchy and clean, it’s got a slightly saline, green olive and jalapeno note – mineral and lean – … Read More
Thirsty Work is a television show that unearths some of the personalities behind New Zealand’s successful and innovative Wine and Beverage Industry. Broadcast on Food TV (SKY ch.9), Thirsty Work soaks up New Zealand’s beverage landscape. Not just vineyards, but barrel halls, tank rooms, cellar doors, wine stores, supermarkets, breweries and backyard vignerons.
Missed Series 4 of Thirsty Work? Fret not, just click here to zoom directly to view on demand.
