Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017

19 September 2018By Yvonne

Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017 $16.99 Here’s a fresh, feisty new tempranillo that oozes masses of dark cherry, cocoa, liquorice and dusty earthy notes on the nose and palate, but don’t be expecting a smooth, lazy sip, hell no.  It’s a muscular, sinewy sip that takes no prisoners on the texture front, so expect … Read More

Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016

7 September 2018By Yvonne

Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016 $16.50-$18 A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre from the south of France that’s gentle, savoury and has attractive cherry and leather layers, dusty tannins and grainy, textural feels on the finish. www.regionalwines.co.nz  

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016

7 September 2018By Yvonne

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016 $25  This certified organic, vegan-friendly pinot noir is deceptively light in that colour-wise, it’s like a notch above a rosé in terms of depth and darkness, yet the aromatics and flavours that unveil themselves are surprising.  Dried herbs, wild cherry and berry tea notes wash across the palate, leaving a … Read More

Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016

6 September 2018By Yvonne

Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.50 Aromas of watercress, lemongrass, passionfruit, white peach, lemonade lusciousness.  Crisp, solid acidity, lip-puckering texture, brisk herbaceous layers.  Love it.

Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015

5 September 2018By Yvonne

Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015 $31.50 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this is how classic Bordeaux-style reds are composed.  Aromatically this wine is mindblowingly elegant and hearty at the same time.  I love the lithe, slippery texture, peppery mid-palate and marathon-like length of flavour. Gorgeous.

Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017

31 August 2018By Yvonne

Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $12.99 (Advintage.co.nz) Classic herbaceous nose, bruised basil and bouquet garni notes merge with lemon pith and passionfruity flavours, juicy citrus and lashings of cut grass goodness on the palate.  Suitably squinty acidity adds length to the finish.  It’s a crowd-pleaser. www.palliser.co.nz

Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018

31 August 2018By Yvonne

Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $27 Brand new from the quite frankly, unfairly talented team at Peregrine, comes this elegantly structured yet rock solid sauvignon blanc that’s stacked with citrus, capsicum, fennel and white pepper on the nose.  Prepare your palate for passionfruit, lemon and lime leaf notes. and a super-fresh and frisky finish.  Great … Read More

Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017

31 August 2018By Yvonne

Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22 Grown in the gloriously weedy, certified organic vineyard owned and lovingly tended by Lars and Sam Jensen, the Richmond Plains sauvignon is nothing short of a Nelson icon. Aromatically it sings with lemon blossom, red capsicum, sugar snap pea and lime notes.  Racy acidity, boatloads of florals … Read More

Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017

31 August 2018By Yvonne

Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $28 Beautifully perfumed, white peach, lemon and lime, zesty herbaceousness and impeccably balanced. Frisky, lemongrassy layers add complexity to the classic basil and tomato leaf notes to make this a ferociously tasty, yet elegant sip. www.closmarguerite.co.nz