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
Author: Yvonne
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
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $16 (3 stars)
If you’re looking for a peach-packed quaffer then you’ve come to the right place. Soft pineapple and a splash of caramel add character to the wine and a creamy layer in the middle of the mouth brings a buttery finish. Simple but seriously sippable. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Waiana Estate Indian Summer Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $19.99
Waiana is owned by the Plowman family who grow grapes on their property in the Tukituki Valley and this rose is named after their twin daughters India and Summer. Made using merlot and malbec grapes that are shepherded into the bottle by star winemaker Dave McKee, this is about as close to Provençale rosé as … Read More
Domaine de Pennautier Rosé 2016 $19.99
Don’t let the ultra-pale, barely-apricot hue fool you because this southern French star has flavour in spades. Soft stonefruit, chalky, delicacy on the nose leads to a snappy-dry, clean-as-a-whistle mid palate that rolls out fresh rockmelon and pepper. Flinty and fabulous. Sip with: pan seared gurnard topped with mint, melon and basil salsa. www.poshslosh.co.nz