Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 $29 Very lightly coloured and very fruity, it’s a lightly styled, very juicy pinot noir that is good, but in my view is overpriced for the quality of the vintage. It’s pleasant enough but lacks the depth and focus you’d expect at this price range. www.charleswiffenwines.co.nz
Month: April 2020
Cottier Gladstone Pinot Noir 2016
Cottier Gladstone Pinot Noir 2016 $28.50 Grown on that famous stretch of Wairarapa wine country, Dakins Road, this pinot noir captures the classic liquorice character which glows in many Gladstone district examples. It boasts an earthy backbone, loads of savoury character and a tonne of spice to cloak powdery tannins. Cherry and wild rhubarb dominate … Read More
Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Rosato 2019
Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Rosato 2019 $28 I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rung David Hoskins at Heron’s Flight to ask if his new Dolcetto rosato is available. Yes he withdrew the non-contact order and we’re communicating through a mediator, but we’re cool, because he gave me what I wanted. Finally. Unique to … Read More
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2019
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2019 $29 Returning to his dry-style roots not seen since 2013, winemaker Gordon Russell has taken fruit for the first time from Ian and Linda Quinn’s Two Terraces Vineyard located west of Hastings in Maraekakaho where they grow two clones of chenin, 220 and 880. Handpicked, cooled … Read More
Kererū Brewing Black Swan Barrel-Aged Belgian Ale 2018
Kererū Brewing Black Swan Barrel-Aged Belgian Ale 2018 $34 Reviewed in dish Magazine July/August 2020 and paired with Sticky Asian Beef Short Ribs Holy smokin’ sweet stuff Batman! The luxuriosity (new word) of the Kererū Black Swan Whisky Barrel Aged Belgian Ale 2018 500ml ($37) is exactly what’s called for with these sensationally sticky, spicy … Read More
Wairiki Estate The Redeemer Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2018
Wairiki Estate The Redeemer Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2018 $39.99 Crafted out in Mangatahi, on terraces high above the Ngaruroro river in the Maraekakaho area of Hawke’s Bay, it’s a seriously fragrant, cherry and dried herb-hefty style from a brand so small and under the radar, they’re practically subterranean. There’s a black tea and cranberry … Read More
Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $35 Flying Sheep is Osawa Wines little brother brand and is named after (supposedly) a reference early Hawke’s Bay settlers had for the fluffy clouds that glided across the regions’ vast blue skies. From fruit grown in some of the oldest soils on the Heretaunga Plains, comes … Read More
Linden Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016
Linden Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2016 $20 I love how on the back label it says this wine would pair perfectly with charcoal-cooked muttonbird. And I thought my food matches pushed the envelope! This syrah is hits that balance between bright, vibrant florals and fruit and a deeply savoury spectrum that’s edged with white pepper … Read More
Aurum Organic Central Otago Pinot Gris Rosé 2019
Aurum Organic Central Otago Pinot Gris Rosé 2019 $28 Here’s a cool thing that not many people know. The skins of pinot gris grapes are, when ripe, a sexy, dusky-rose pinky-grey colour, but because they’re separated from the juice in ‘normal’ pinot gris, you wouldn’t know it. Winemaker Lucie Lawrence decided it was time to … Read More
Lindis River Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
Lindis River Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2018 $28 Those with small children will know as soon as they pour this into a glass that it’s the colour of Pamol, that soothing solution for temperatures, tummy aches and all manner of ailments, and i’m happy to say it’s juicy, cherry and raspberry aromatics all wash … Read More