If you imagine a tiny samurai armed with lime-flavoured floss, whipping it across your tastebuds, then you’re coming close to the immediate sensation of sipping this wine. Crafted by one of New Zealand’s organic aristocrats – this riesling is incredibly zippy, honeysuckle and mandarin and quartz-edged triumph. Love it! www.huiavineyards.com
Month: July 2018
Matavino Amelia Matakana Viognier 2017 $25 (3.5 stars)
You might imagine the little squiggle on the label is a graphic depiction of the ups and downs of working with nature. I prefer to think of it as a vine tendril left over on the wires post-pruning – much more obvious. Winegrower Jim Hight reckons Matakana is a great spot to grow viognier of … Read More
Three Dark Horses Frank Ernest McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 $50 (4.5 stars)
The three ‘dark horses’ are Matt Broomhead, his father and his grandfather Frank, who all decided on a handshake to go into the wine growing caper together around 8 years ago. This deeply inky shiraz is sourced from 70 year old bush vines grown in their Romano vineyard. Wild-fermented with 20% whole clusters and matured … Read More
Sons of Eden Selene Barossa Valley Tempranillo 2014 $54.95 (5 stars)
The ‘sons’ happen to be young winemakers Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham and they’ve named this wine after the Greek Goddess of the moon, fertility and productivity, which is all very lovely. However I really love the aromas of dark berries and salted caramel, saddle leather and its whiff of old sawmill. It’s also incredibly … Read More
Massena The Moonlight Run Barossa Valley Mataro Grenache Shiraz 2016 $41 (4 stars)
With its clutch of 5-star endorsements from wine critics around the globe, this Rhone-style blend from the mad but brilliant folk at Massena, is just the ticket for hot August nights (yes it’s winter, but I’ve always wanted to weave a Neil Diamond lyric into a tasting note). Inky-dark, earthy, spice-driven and soaked through with … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 28 July 2018
I’d normally kick off this column with something to do with wine because, well, it’s a wine column. However those that know me, know that I’m also an enormous beer fan – not just ‘craft’ beer either. I’m a fan of well-made beer no matter where it comes from. Through my work at Dish magazine … Read More
The Fifth Innings Limited Release Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $59
Only 600 bottles were made of this wine and they’re all individually numbered. While numbers are things you can count on, safety is definitely not on the agenda for this chardonnay. It’s huge in every respect and those with a delicate constitution may opt for something more tame because this wine will ruck and maul … Read More
Alpha Domus The Skybolt Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $26.00
This is the second vintage of Skybolt, a chardonnay that’s like a fruity mcfruitface upfront on the palate, yet a tweak of French oak I love how the classic grapefruit and roast peach flavours are edged with hints of coconut and spice and then followed by a long, creamy finish. Winemaker Barry Riwai is a … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $14.99
There’s a really spicy, almost ginger-like kick to this chardonnay, which clearly has the ‘cheap and cheerful, crowd-pleaser’ flag flying from its screwcap. If you’re looking for bags of toasty oak and creamy, buttery bodaciousness then you won’t find it here, this wine is all about the tangy tropical fruit and popcorn pluckiness on the … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin canvas column for Sat July 28th 2018
I bought a $1500 robot vacuum cleaner. Mock all you want, but I’m sipping chardonnay while this thing sucks life’s lint away… Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $14.99 There’s a really spicy, almost ginger-like kick to this chardonnay, which clearly has the ‘cheap and cheerful, crowd-pleaser’ flag flying from its screwcap. If you’re looking … Read More