Ashwell Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $20 Bright and bursting with citrus and nectarine notes in every sip. Add to that elderflower, lemon blossom and a lick of lemongrass and you get extra deliciousness on the nose and palate. This little bit of Martinborough magic is intensely fresh on the palate, with zesty acidity, good astringency, … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Summerhouse Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Summerhouse Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $14.99 Gorgeous aromas of bruised basil, peach and passionfruit, intensely tropical on the nose and erupts with sweet, tangy citrus on the palate, generously proportioned and juicy to drink. Lovely sauvignon and excellent value. www.summerhouse.co.nz www.winecentral.co.nz
Cliff Edge Awhitu Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012
Cliff Edge Awhitu Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012 $45 Only about half a dozen barrels are produced of this classic Bordeaux blend (70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc) from the Awhitu peninsula in Auckland. I’m not a huge fan of brettanomyces in my wine but there’s just enough in here to be complexing. Grown in the clay soils of … Read More
Sherwood Estate ‘Sherwood’ Waipara Valley Pinot Gris
Sherwood Estate ‘Sherwood’ Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2017 $16.99 This wine is a little out of balance so it’s not the easiest of wines to drink. Aromas of honey, baked pear are initially positive, yet there’s a slightly sour note on the palate which throws things slightly. There are better wines in the Sherwood stable.
Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris
Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris 2015 $20 Located in the leafy climes of West Melton, 20 mins or so drive west of Christchurch city, this pinot gris has a hint of botrytis character happening, honeyed notes, beeswax and some roast stonefruit showing through. Doesn’t really show the classic nashi, pear, quince and apple characters that … Read More
DeVine Wine in a Can…
I’m as open-minded as the next cynical critic about new packaging and as such I welcomed the chance for canned wine to redeem itself. DeVine Sparkling Brut NV 200ml can $5.99 ($19.99 4pk) I think it was the playdough-yellow packaging and tired, tacky, grapey motifs on the front that initially made me throw up a … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday 8th September 2018
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday 8th September 2018 It’s Saturday, time to get fizzicle… Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle 2013 $75 Normally when I sip a bit of sparkling I’m all laughter, smiles, clinking my glass and yet as soon as I’d wrapped my lips around this new release, I … Read More
Baby Doll Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $18.99
Named after a breed of miniature sheep designed to keep his vineyards nicely manicured in the manner of living lawnmowers, Peter Yealands’ winemaking team has crafted a simple pinot noir that’s spicy upfront, holds some pleasant-enough fruit and has a smooth, refreshing finish. Uncomplicated easiness. Sip with: Red onion, pumpkin and feta tart. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $30
A ‘cantata’ is a word for a vocal piece accompanied by an instrumental. A song basically. But this Olly Masters-made pinot noir from the vertigo-inducing slopes of Bendigo is definitely singing a more complex tune. Pale berry-coloured and scented with baked cherry and wild strawberries, it’s a fresh, frisky, spice-laced sip with grippy tannins and … Read More
Urbn Vino Reserve ‘The Writers Block’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $50
Brendan Seal first heard of urban wineries whilst working as a winemaker in the USA and he immediately thought Dunedin would be a cracker of a location to do it himself. Making wine in the central city might seem like a logistical nightmare to some, yet for Brendan it’s a dream come true. Sourced from … Read More