Crafted by Josep Serra and Olga Verde, this hand harvested little mencía (pronounced ‘men-thee-aah) erupts with florals and spice and hedgerow fruits on the nose. Yet on the palate it immediately calms down into a smooth, soft sip with suede-like texture, alongside a hint of salt, mushroom and mineral notes combine with earthy layers to … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Aronui Single Vineyard Nelson Albariño 2016 $22.45 (4 stars)
The name ‘Aronui’ derives from ancient Māori mythology about the pursuit of knowledge and after a glass or two, you’ll definitely be schooled up on albariño’s awesomeness. Widely planted in northwest Spain and Portugal, it’s recognised as their best and most fashionable white grape – similar to sauvignon blanc for us I guess. I love … Read More
Seresin Moana Blanc 2011 $43 (4.5 stars)
Moana is one of Marlborough’s best-kept sparkling secrets. A 100% organic & biodynamically-grown blend of 59% chardonnay and 41% pinot noir that’s been aged for 3 years on its yeast lees, it has a soft, nutty, yeasty fragrance of rising dough and cream cheese. A lick of lemon adds an extra layer of loveliness. Sourced … Read More
Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $29 (5 stars)
Get ready for a total quince-fest in every mouthful! Direct from one of New Zealand’s top organic wine producers comes a dry, texturally rich pinot gris, jam-packed with poached pear and spicy peach flavours. The first sip brings on layers of fine, grainy, tongue-tingly senses which keeps you dipping back into the glass. Fresh as … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat April 7th 2018
Well Easter flew by in a blur of cocoa-induced craziness, so it’s time to embrace World Health Day, April 7th, with a glass of something good and pure… Straight 8 Estate Canterbury Riesling 2016 $18 Get set for lashings of lime, honeysuckle, lemonade and loads of tropical tastiness in this little cracker from Canterbury. Named … Read More
Straight 8 Estate Canterbury Riesling 2016 $18
Get set for lashings of lime, honeysuckle, lemonade and loads of tropical tastiness in this little cracker from Canterbury. Named after the 1935 Straight 8 Railton “Light Sports” car which is on display in their Burnham cellar door, it boasts buckets of natural sweetness and just the right amount of crunchy acidity to balance it … Read More
Framingham F-Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $34.99
Just 850 individually-numbered bottles were made of this luxurious, luscious pinot gris by Andrew Hedley and his scarily talented team at Framingham – so be quick to nab your bottle of this nashi-infused, roast pear and poached quince-soaked example before it’s all gone. Sweet yes, but seriously refreshing and tangy and boasting caramelized concentration on … Read More
Redmetal Vineyards Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2015 $19
Crafted from fruit grown in the iron-rich, red soils of the Bridge Pa Triangle, this is a gentle, easy-like-Sunday-morning red wine showing attractive red berry aromatics, a dusting of cocoa, plum and bay leaf. It’s a soft, quaffable blend that’ll please the crowds. Need a red wine for that wedding coming up? This could be … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine column for week beginning Sat 7th April 2018
Let’s say you’re a talented winemaker and you’ve got access to some really fantastic grapes but you just don’t have the resources to build your own winery? You could fight for some space in a large cooperative facility, however that situation is hardly ideal, especially if you want to make your wines ‘organically’ or naturally. … Read More
San Pedro Gato Negro Valle Central Carmenere 2017 $14.99
Wow! How bright and pretty does this wine look in the glass? Glossy, crimson craziness is what greets you when you pour it, then you’re hit with aromas of bay leaf, thyme, violets and cherry-choc notes. A whoomph (technical term there) of spice, cocoa and a warming texture leads to a long, smile-inducing finish. A great … Read More