Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2022 $35 Cabernet franc is a rare thing to see on its own here in New Zealand, so it’s exciting whenever I see one, particularly one from one of the tiniest vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. Very new and youthfully fresh, it boasts a huge lift of bay leaf, blackcurrant, … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Maison Noire Home Block Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2021
Maison Noire Home Block Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2021 $70 The ‘Home Block’ for Maison Noire’s winemaker Guillaume Thomas, is a tiny, 1.5ha vineyard growing on limestone laden soils on the winding road out to Waimarama Beach. Just 80 cases of this syrah was made, so it’s super-limited, but super-tasty. Inky-dark and glossily gorgeous, and boasts … Read More
Zephyr Organic Marlborough Riesling 2022
Zephyr Organic Marlborough Riesling 2022 $28 Ben Glover, winemaker at Zephyr, has an unslakeable thirst for great riesling, which is why he pours his heart and soul into every bottle he makes. He also pours buckets of pixie dust and secret magic and sparkly starlight in there as well. The result is a classically dry … Read More
Brookfields Back Block Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2022
Brookfields Back Block Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2022 $22 From a challenging vintage comes a highly approachable, friendly, softly fruited, softly peppered syrah grown at Ohiti on the banks of the Ngaruroro River. Classic florals and blackcurrant characters lead to iron sands tannins and a suede-like mid-palate texture and finish. Brookfields
Brookfields Fiesta Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2023
Brookfields Fiesta Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2023 $22 Crafted from free-run syrah juice (that’s the highest quality, delicately fresh juice which runs from the grape press before any pressing starts), this pretty, trout-pink rosé has summer days and warm sunsets written all over it. Generously flavoured with red apple, raspberry and a hint of creaming soda, … Read More
Brookfields Robertson Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2023
Brookfields Robertson Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2023 $22 From a crazy vintage involving (amongst other things) a cyclone which almost wiped Brookfields out, this pinot gris has emerged triumphantly fresh and clean and crammed with Brookfields signature notes of nashi juice, poached quince and soft baking spices on the nose and palate. Textural and dry … Read More
Matahiwi Wild Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2022
Matahiwi Wild Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2022 $38 Winemaker Liam Macklin has been given carte blanche to create a pinot noir that veers left from the classic Matahiwi stable and the result is well and truly wild. Crafted without any additions from just one tonne of their best quality, hand picked, Abel clone fruit, it … Read More
Montana M Waipara Pinot Noir 2022
Montana M Waipara Pinot Noir 2022 $17 Deeply savoury aromas unfurl to release cherry and plum layers, hedgerow fruits and spice on the nose. The palate is softly earthy, with a vein of savoury, roasting pan juices running through it and settling into tannins with soft grip and cling. Very pleasant everyday pinot. Widely Available.
Smith and Sheth Cru Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Smith and Sheth Cru Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $30 Deeply complex aromas of jalapeno, bruised basil, lemongrass, fresh sweat and preserved lemon lead to a palate holding a creamy, peachy, soothing character, homemade lemonade and soft nettle notes. Serve chilled to highlight the florals. Smith & Sheth
Blackenbrook Nelson Montepulciano 2021
Blackenbrook Nelson Montepulciano 2021 $38 Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach of Blackenbrook have a thing about giving alternative varieties a go, and Montepulciano (from the Abruzzo region in Italy) is one of them. They figured it’d enjoy living in Nelson and it does. Firm tannins, dark rhubarb and cocoa notes are bound together by leather and … Read More