The rumours were out that winemaker Hugh Crichton was planning to release something epic in the Vidal chardonnay stakes, and lordy, they were right. From the most glorious chardonnay vintage Hawke’s Bay has seen in a stretch, comes a formidably gorgeous wine scented with popcorn, gunflint and grilled grapefruit and offering gracefully ripe, roasted stonefruit, … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat Nov 4 2017
Almost on the daily I’m asked about whether I think chardonnay is making a comeback. To which I usually snort, roll my eyes and spit “Comeback? Comeback? It never went away!” However that’s because I’m irrationally defensive about chardonnay, I love it so much. The versions of chardonnay that are on trend at any given … Read More
Mud House Woolshed Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22
Mud House’s winemaker Cleighten Cornelius is obsessed with the fruit from their Woolshed vineyard, one sip of this and you’ll see why. Planted 15 years ago in the Southern Valleys by Nev Gane (great name), the resulting sauvignon is packed with punchy passionfruit and lime, boasts a deliciously fleshy texture and bursts with buckets of … Read More
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $32
Lucky Aucklanders can sip this snazzy new release at the Cloudy Bay ‘Sail Away’ pop-up dining experience at Prego during November. Everyone else will have to trust me when I say that the CB crew have injected zesty herbaceousness, plucky passionfruit and citrus friskiness into this iconic sauvignon blanc. Lime, basil and a squeak of … Read More
Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $27
Not a fan of masses of squinty acidity in your sauvignon? Then fret no longer, this will keep you safe and sound. Mellow in the mid palate, edged with soft passionfruit, lemongrass and limey notes, it’s got summer florals on the nose and a feisty finish. Sip with: Pea, mint and feta fritters. www.dogpoint.co.nz
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column November 4 2017
“Sav me from myself” is a phrase I tend to utter repeatedly as the days stretch and the stress soaks in… Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $27 Not a fan of masses of squinty acidity in your sauvignon? Then fret no longer, this will keep you safe and sound. Mellow in the mid … Read More
Pask Declaration Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2015 $40 (4.5 stars)
Absolutely rocketing out of the gate from a standing start comes this shiny new chardonnay from one of Hawke’s Bay’s elite producers. Declaration wines are only produced in exceptional vintages and the 2014 won a trophy at the largest wine show in the world the 2017 IWSC and the 2015 will do great things too. … Read More
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2014 $32.90 (4.5 stars)
Incredibly bright on the nose, bursting with ripe boysenberry, plum cherry and sweetly spiced, smoky notes. Here’s a deeply flavoured, rich and satisfyingly fruity blend, with layers of leather and cocoa carrying through to the finish. I love the refreshing, vibrant acidity and its gripping, yet supple tannins. It’s a very precise yet plush and … Read More
Ernesto Catena Padrillos Malbec 2016 $22 (4 stars)
It was SO exciting to open this new vintage of one of my favourite wines from last year to see that it’s just as delicious, albeit better than the 2014. Fresh acidity, perfectly prickly alcohol and layers of dark berries, cocoa powder, roast beetroot and a squeak of tobacco. ‘Padrillos’ means ‘stallion’ in Spanish, named … Read More
Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2015 $22 (4 stars)
I’ve been told by winemaker Lars Jensen, that this is a favourite amongst the winery staff and that they’re having to fast track the next vintage because it’s all being consumed in house! That’s hardly surprising because it’s a lovely drop. Fresh nectarine and toasty, buttered crumpet flavours are dusted with cinnamon and dolloped with … Read More