Kurow Estate Black Star Waitaki Field Blend 2016 $27

November 28, 2017By Yvonne

A ‘field blend’ is a way of creating wine that truly reflects the composition of the vineyard and steers away from the modern practice of keeping everything separate. An organically produced blend of pinot noir, pinot gris and gewurztraminer, this wine is like a red, a rose and an orange wine all rolled into one. … Read More

Church Road TOM Chardonnay 2014 $150 (5 stars)

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

Winemaker Chris Scott chose fruit from Church Road’s Tuki Tuki Valley block to fashion into what should (if I had my way) be a national treasure.  Expertly crafted and scented with grilled grapefruit, seasoned popcorn, ground almonds and roast stonefruit.  Its personality draws you in, it almost glows.  It’s got gorgeous tension in the mouth, … Read More

Church Road TOM Syrah 2014 $200 (5 stars)

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

That’s correct.  Two.  Hundred.  Dollars.  But think about the last thing you spent $200 on and I guarantee it won’t be anywhere near as satisfying and succulent as this wine.  The syrah fruit was sourced from Bridge Pa (just sublime syrah dirt there) and immediately you’re hit with the most exotic, alluring perfume of soft … Read More

Church Road Grand Reserve Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $45 (5 stars)

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

New favourite alert!  Chris Scott and his team have crafted a seriously delicious, rich, complex sauvignon from fruit grown in their Redstone vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle.  100% wild fermented and matured in older oak, it shows soft herbaceous, lemongrassy notes combined with nutty layers and a mineral-driven spine.  Finely-tuned and incredibly fresh, it’s … Read More

Three Miners Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $38 (4 stars)

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

The tiny sub-region of Earnscleugh (between Alexandra and Clyde, on the Clutha River) is where Three Miners is located and where their magic is manifested.  I love this pinot noir because it’s so bright and spicy.  Soaked through with smoked strawberries, rhubarb, zesty, black tea and cherry flavours, it’s plush, perky and a fabulous example … Read More

Petane Station Hawke’s Bay Malbec Rosé 2017 $25 (5 stars)

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

Crafted from 100% Malbec, this is an incredibly juicy, mouthwatering rosé that smells like pomegranate, wild provençal herbs, redcurrant and a hint of pepper.  Crisp, crunchy and darn gorgeous not only to sip, but the bottle looks like money right?  I love how long this lingers on the palate – it’s a beautifully-made wine indeed. … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat Nov 25th 2017

November 25, 2017By Yvonne

The man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the New Zealand wine industry, the man lovingly referred to as the high wizard of wine writing, the Gandalf of good grog-buying if you will, is Michael Cooper.  And this week he’s released the 2018 Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines, the 25th edition.  Twenty fifth!  I think … Read More

Brennan Central Otago Trio 2016 ($29) (4 stars)

November 19, 2017By Yvonne

The Brennan family have been growing grapes in Gibbston since 1994, and I’m a huge fan of their blended whites, particularly when they contain a gorgeous 57% gewürztraminer, 35% racy riesling, and an 8% splash of muscat like this one. You get foxy florals, mandarin, lychee, rose petal, and lashings of lovely citrus in the … Read More

Dunnolly Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($18.99) (5 stars)

November 18, 2017By Yvonne

Absolutely banging citrus, passionfruit, basil, lemon, lime, sugar snap pea flavours abound in this new brand on the market.  Made by winemaker Nicky Parish, it’s an ultra-tangy tropical tsunami of taste and it has stunning length of flavour. For stockists near you email: winemaker@donnelly.co.nz