This chardonnay is tasting a tad tired and is rather dry and mean-spirited in the glass. Lacking fruit or charm of any description, it has an odd, butyric acid edge to it (which is a polite way of saying it smells a bit like baby vom). Avoid. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Author: Yvonne
Bodega Tamari Mendoza Pinot Grigio 2016 $13.99
Here’s a lean, minerally pinot grigio with a hint of salinity, dried pear and nashi notes. There’s a creaminess on the finish which mellows out some of the heat of the alcohol and allows some fruit notes to sneak through. Good value grigio. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Bodega Tamari Mendoza Chardonnay 2015 $17.99
‘Tamari’ means ‘to be passionate in Huarpe, the native language of the Mendoza region in Argentina. This chardonnay is on the leaner side, mineral-driven, nutty and has a squeak of crushed seashell and salt about it. There’s a creamy element adding some complexity. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Saint John Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2013 $26.60 (5 stars)
Named after Mr St. John York, the original owner of the Bridge Pa vineyard where the fruit was sourced, this malbec went on to scoop the Championship trophy at the Bragato Wine Awards in 2016. Fleshy and full to the brim with aromas of roasting pan juices, dark berryfruit, red apple leather and Christmas pudding … Read More
Vinteloper Urban Project Red 2016 $39.90 (4.5 stars)
I LOVED the bottle so much that no sooner was it empty than I bunged a candle down it’s spout and popped it on the mantlepiece. Art right there. Shiraz and Malbec are an unusual twosome, but this blend by the unconventional coterie of Vinteloper kids works on so many levels. Aromas of plum, raspberry, … Read More
Sacred Hill Hawke’s Bay Helmsman 2015 $80 (5 stars)
My first taste of this wine was a few years before the millennium and back then I was told the name represented something that led the way that stood ahead of the pack and steered you in the right direction. This new vintage lives up to its reputation of focus and drive. A Helmsman is … Read More
Vinetti De Fiorini Chianti Superiore DOCG 2014 $25
Grapes for a Superiore can come from any of the sub-regions within the region of Chianti. Superiore wines must be aged for at least nine months before release and must be approved by the Official DOCG Commission. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have been crafted into a super-smooth, savoury red, edged with wild … Read More
Fattoria Di Basciano Chianti Rùfina DOCG 2015 $25.80
Located in the foothills of the Apennine’s, Rùfina is the smallest subregion of Chianti but also on of the most well-known. This Basciano is heaving with succulent red fruits, dried herbs and liquorice layers. It is velvety, sexy, savoury and I love it! Fact: Chianti Rùfina can’t be released for 12 months after harvest, six … Read More
Grati Chianti Rùfina DOCG 2015 $22.80
This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo Nero and 3% Colorino is a lightly-styled, spicy red that will clear the nose and soothe the throat on the first smiff and sip. Wild strawberry, cherry and peppery notes on the nose lead to a soft, fruit-saturated mouthfeel and a suede-like finish. Sip with: Minestrone with prosciutto … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column Saturday 31st March 2018
True fact. A “fiasco” is name of the raffia basket found attached to the base of old-school Chianti bottles. Take that to your next pub quiz… Vinetti De Fiorini Chianti Superiore DOCG 2014 $25 Grapes for a Superiore can come from any of the sub-regions within the region of Chianti. Superiore wines must be aged … Read More