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
Author: Yvonne
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
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for August 18 2018
Pinot noir can be indulgent, spicy or just plain simple – just like my choice of frock of a weekend actually… 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 … Read More
Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2014 (5 stars) $34
Fresh, frisky and overflowing with flavour. This Blue Gold and Top 100 winner at the Sydney International Wine Competition is an absolute firecracker of a dessert wine. Sweet and indulgent, yet super-tangy and energizing, it has candyfloss and toffee aromas, alongside caramelised mango and pineapple pluckiness on the palate. Gorgeous. Email: kevin@riverbyestate.com to buy.
Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2013 (5 stars) $34
It’s easy to see how this wine scooped a Gold medal at the NZ International Wine Show, (New Zealand’s biggest annual wine show) because it is so irresistibly unctuous and toffee-centric. Carrying concentrated mandarin and caramelized apricot and gorgeous honeyed flavours. Email: kevin@riverbyestate.com to buy
Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2012 (5 stars) $34
This citrus-stacked Trophy winner at the 2013 Air NZ Awards is, six years down the track, still carrying gorgeous acidity, caramelized tropical fruit, hints of honey and succulent textures. It’s an intensely delicious sweet treat that’s aging gracefully and exotically. Email: kevin@riverbyestate.com to buy
Hunter’s Kāho Roa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $23.90 (4.5 stars)
Hunter’s Kāho Roa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $23.90 Sourced from the clay-rich soils of their Omaka vineyard, the fruit for this sauvignon was crushed and the cloudy, high-solids juice poured directly into old French oak puncheons for a wild yeast (spontaneous) fermentation. The wine was then aged on its lees for 6 months before bottling, … Read More