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
Author: Yvonne
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
Crossroads Milestone Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $17.50
Crossroads Milestone Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $17.50 A tangy, taut, trop-fest is about to hurl itself across your tastebuds. Think pineapple, mango, a lick of lemon and a grapefruity kick brings the citrus into gear which holds all the flavours buoyant in the mouth. A layer of toasted crumpet character indicates nicely managed oak … Read More
Silver Wing Nada Preservative Free Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $27.99
Silver Wing Nada Preservative Free Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $27.99 Produced without SO2 in the most natural way possible by winemaker Andrew Fox. Wild fermented and unfiltered (hence the strawberry juice haze in the glass), this rosé has a snappy, spritzig texture and super-fresh acidity and length. Organically produced and one of the freshest, friskiest, fruitiest … Read More
Tiki Estate Waipara Pinot Gris 2016
Tiki Estate Waipara Pinot Gris 2016 $14.99 (2.5 stars) There’s a brisk burst of beeswax and manuka honey on the nose and palate indicating some botrytis infection in the wine, but that adds complexity to the wine. Dry and spicy, it boasts the ususal suspects of pear and quince, but fails to deliver generosity in the … Read More