How stylish is this bottle? It shouldn’t matter I know, but it helps if it looks like money on the table right. Unlike many Prosecco’s on the market, it’s not sweet. In fact it’s deliciously dry, snappy-fresh, citrus-driven and has a light, ‘frizzante’ texture, so it doesn’t erupt in your mouth like a fizz-bomb. Instead … Read More
Author: Yvonne
The Hunting Lodge Gisborne Marsanne Viognier 2016 $25
This is a classic Rhone blend of two key varieties that are very tricky to get right, yet the Hunting Lodge kids have cracked it. Incredibly tasty and a total floral-fest on the nose, I love its apricot and jasmine notes, mandarin pith and lemony loveliness. Zesty acidity, incredible texture and deliciously pure, white fruits … Read More
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2016 $39.95
2016 was an absolute screamer of a vintage for the Matahiwi team, and there was absolutely no question that they’d be making a ‘Holly’ pinot that year. It went on to score a Gold medal at the 2017 London International Wine Competition and as soon as you sip it you’ll see why. Huge flavours here, … Read More
YVONNE LORKIN CANVAS COLUMN FOR SAT DEC 16 2017
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2016 $39.95 2016 was an absolute screamer of a vintage for the Matahiwi team, and there was absolutely no question that they’d be making a ‘Holly’ pinot that year. It went on to score a Gold medal at the 2017 London International Wine Competition and as soon as you sip … Read More
Moana Park Hawke’s Bay Merlot Malbec 2016 $25 (3.5 stars)
Here’s a vegan-friendly red that has masses of blackcurrant, violet, dried herb and pepper notes on the nose and has black tea, cherry, red fruits and spicy notes on the palate. Fresh acidity, grippy tannins and good length make this a great BBQ sipper with tender, roasted mushroom and eggplant stacks. www.moanapark.co.nz
Momo Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $19 (4 stars)
Crafted by the talented team at Seresin Estate, this organic, biodynamically-grown glass of gorgeous is sauvignon but not as you’d normally know it. With its smoked passionfruit, bruised lemongrass and elderflower perfume it’s rather seductive and smooth. Peach and lime layers linger around a creamy core (gathered from 6 months lees aging) to leave a … Read More
Millton Te Arai Gisborne Chenin Blanc 2016 $29 (4 stars)
Glossy and golden in the glass, this organic, biodynamically produced chenin blanc has late summer afternoons written all over it. With its perfume of apple leather, nana’s talc and musky magic, it’s aromatically intriguing, yet on the palate it delivers a whoomph (technical term there) of racy acidity, crunchy apple, pear and citrus pith on … Read More
Astoria Butterfly Treviso Prosecco 2016 $19 (4.5 stars)
Been avoiding prosecco because you think it’ll be too sweet? Well, fret no more, because here’s a crisp, citrus-laced spritz-fest in a bottle. This tangy example from Treviso shows lovely tension in the glass with a subtle lick of green apple and honey. At a positively demure 11% alcohol, it definitely won’t send you sideways … Read More
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne $69.99 (4 stars)
Here’s the opposite of what Moet used to be all about. Lean, dry and minerally, this is not. Fat, tropical tones, peach and sweet, musky layers that cry out to be poured over ice and sprinkled with mint or flecks of dried berries. Apricot, caramelised characters and a rich, luxurious sweetness wash across the palate … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat 9th Dec 2017
As I write this, a clutch of businesses on the street where my office is located, are preparing for our annual street Christmas party. Five bucks and BYO nibbles is all we needed to bring apparently. Due to this column deadline, I have not had time to go out and get ‘nibbly-fied’ – so to … Read More