Intensely herbaceous, almost botanical elements on the nose combine with black olive, soy and smoky, savoury notes to create a bold, meaty mouthfeel. Add to that the big, chewy, furry tannins that buoy the dark fruits and cocoa layers, leaving a distinct leathery impression on the finish – and you’ve got a huge, take-no-prisoners syrah … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Pask Small Batch Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $29.00
This is one of those wines that when someone pours it from across the room, you can smell it metres away. Winemaker Kate Radburnd is a cabernet perfectionist and only the best go to bottle in a ‘small batch’. Classic cabernet aromas of liquorice, leather, menthol and bitter cocoa. I love the underlying Christmas pudding … Read More
Seresin OSIP Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $28.50
Named after a relative of founder Michael Seresin, the OSIP wines are the result of a decade-long project to remove additions in the winery. Winemaker Clive Dougall and the crazy organic, biodynamic kids at Seresin have taken things even further in their ‘hands off’ approach by opting to avoid adding any sulphur and non-naturals AND … Read More
Sea Level Home Block Nelson Pinot Noir 2015 $27.50
Winemaker Simon Smail has let loose on his own label here, and the results are predictably top of the leader board. Gorgeous aromas of wild strawberries, herbal tea, cherry, hints of fruitwood smoke, rhubarb leaf and concentrated cranberry characters make it a new favourite sip for me. The tannins are juicy and elastic and the … Read More
Gladstone Wairarapa Rose 2016 $25.00
I adore the pink diamond-ballet shoe hue of this gorgeous little pinot rose from down Gladstone way and I love its seductive, candied aromas and layers of raspberry, creaming soda and juicy red fruits on the palate. Boasting classic cherry and berries and cream characters alongside lip-puckering acidity makes this absolutely magical. Organically produced by … Read More
Coal Pit Central Otago Rose 2016 $26.95
Coal Pit make great pinot in every shape and form and this pinot rosé totally proves it. Raspberry, strawberry and creaming soda on the nose, sweet, tangy fresh berries and watermelon on the palate – what’s not to love? How about we add juicy apple and a layer of lovely, prickly acidity to finish. It’s … Read More
Man O’War Paradise Waiheke Pinot Gris 2016 $29.00
Standing in this tiny vineyard on Ponui Island overlooking Te Kawau Bay, you could easily imagine yourself in paradise and want to remain their full-time. And then you remember that it’s hard work making wine – so you shrug and say “best leave this to someone else” and walk away. Winemaker Duncan McTavish and viticulturist … Read More
Martinborough Vineyard Te Tera Martinborough Pinot Gris 2016 $25.00
Crafted by the ridiculously talented Paul Mason, Martinborough Vineyard is a veritable aristocrat insofar as pinot gris production is concerned. A pioneer of the region, having started in 1980, they know how to craft elegantly structured, deliciously dry pinot gris with lashings of nashi, ginger, quince and white pepper on the palate. Its persistent length … Read More
Greenhough Nelson Gewurztraminer 2014 $26.00
Andrew Greenhough is an absolute legend insofar as aromatics are concerned. I get really excited every time I see a pinot gris or a riesling from him, but lately I’ve wondered “where’s the gewurz?” That’s because it’s been mostly sent overseas – but huzzah! We’ve snaffled some after much begging and pleading and promising to … Read More
Black Peak Wanaka Riesling 2015 $26.00
I’m only a recent convert to Black Peak, having kicked myself constantly over recent weeks for not having known about James McElrea’s talents til now. After years of working across various Central Otago sub-regions he’s gone out on his own, nurturing a schist, gravel and mineral-quartz rich site, in little known Queensbury district above the … Read More