Tamari Mendoza Malbec 2016 $15.99 The native language of the Mendoza region in Argentina is knows as ‘Huarpe’ and in that language, Tamari means ‘to be passionate’. I tell you what, after a glass or two of this meaty little malbec then you’ll be feeling more than a little amorous I’m sure. Smooth, velvety and … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Astrolabe ‘Valleys’ Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $24
Astrolabe ‘Valleys’ Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $24 Simon Waghorn has crafted a capsicum and lemongrass-laden lovely that if you’re lucky enough to still see this on the shelf, then you should definitely buy it and buy large. The bruised basil and lime notes merge with green nectarine, peach and passionfruit to create a brisk, … Read More
Terras Gauda Rías Baixas O Rosal 2016 $34.95 (4.5 stars)
Made from a blend of albariño, caino and loureiro grapes, this kick-in-the-chops Spanish white made in the Rías Baixas (ree-ass bye-sass) tradition put me firmly in my happy place. I love the crash of lemon blossom, lime zest and white peach across the palate, the smash of rain-on-hot-rocks minerality and the gentle, tastebud exfoliating character … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 23 June 2018
Hand’s up if you’ve ever poured yourself a nice big goblet of cabernet sauvignon, taken a nice big sip and then thought to yourself “Hold the phone caller. This wine smells and tastes green and herby and not at all like I expected”. It happens on occasion with cabernet sauvignon, that deliciously dense, dark red … Read More
William Murdoch Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2010 $45 (4 stars)
Certified organic from WAY back, this 8 year old cabernet blend is heaving with deliciously dusty, leather and tobacco-rubbed robustness. Bay leaf, dark cocoa and the darkest of dark fruits, this Bordeaux-style blend from deep in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels has bold, muscular, sinewy tannins and cries out for a large piece of … Read More
Ostler Caroline’s Waitaki Pinot Noir 2016 $50 (5 stars)
Located on the cusp of South Canterbury and North Otago, Waitaki is an extreme place, like the last frontier for winegrowing, because it’s such a harsh environment. Jim Jerram however, is like the Gandalf of grape growing down there, and occasionally, when the weather gods shine on him, he’s able to eke out enough precious … Read More
Domaine de Pennautier Cité de Carcassonne Rosé 2016 $24.50 (4 stars)
So pale and pretty, like the colour of a ballet shoe, this rosé is made from cinsault, grenache, syrah and merlot. Pink peppercorn and vanilla and smoke make this an incredibly complex, super-dry, provençal-style rosé that shows a hint of dried herbs and crushed quartz. Racy and robust. www.poshslosh.co.nz
Il Villaggio delle Venezie IGT Pinot Grigio 2016 $19 (3.5 stars)
Dry and drenched in lemony, limey, white peach and pear – it’s a perky, pick-me-up for flaccid tastebuds. Green apple and crushed quartz flavours rip across the palate and leave a chalky trail of texture on the finish. www.blackmarket.co.nz
Chard Farm Sur Lie Central Otago Pinot Gris 2017 $27
Chard Farm Sur Lie Central Otago Pinot Gris 2017 $27 Rob Hay and his Gibbston-based team at Chard Farm aren’t afraid to push the envelope or pash the antelope where pinot gris production is concerned. Extra time lying on its bed of lees has amplified the creamy texture and boosted the bright pear, nashi, … Read More
Mills Reef Bespoke Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $34.95
Mills Reef Bespoke Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $34.95 I LOVE the burst of grilled grapefruit, poached peach, hints of struck match and tangy, smoky notes on the nose and a lovely complex, juicy, cashew and bacony loveliness. Fresh and fabulously funky, it’s a lipsmackingly good example. The team at Mills Reef are chardonnay nuts and it … Read More