I have a pretty decent relationship with our family cat. She is collectively ‘owned’, so I’m not allowed to refer to her as ‘my’ cat. Even though it’s me that gets her forearms shredded by her claws every few months when attempting to stuff her into a catbox for a vet visit. It’s me that … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Hunter’s Unoaked Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $18.99 (4 stars)
It’s funny how if you put the word “un” in front of something, then people assume it’s going to be lacking. However this heavenly little peachy creature from Hunters hits all the right spots. Juicy nectarine and grapefruity goodness, loaded with lemon and packed with pineapple-powered punch. Great weight and refreshing texture means it’s darn … Read More
Mills Reef Bespoke Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015 ($39.99)
After decades of delivering some of New Zealand’s most highly awarded wines, Tim Preston and his team have decided to let loose with the creative juices and put together some wines/blends that differ from their mainstream range. This blend of 63% cabernet sauvignon and 27% cabernet franc has a heft of dried herbs, pepper and … Read More
Astrolabe Farm Marlborough Riesling 2016 ($23) 4 stars
This wine smells just like you’ve walked into an orchard growing lemons on one side and apples on the other. So intense yet so delicate and the palate reflects exactly that. But I’d expect nothing less however from Simon Waghorn, winemaker extraordinaire and all-round riesling rockstar. Crafted from his home farm vineyard in Marlborough’s Grovetown … Read More
Erben Bürgermeister Lauer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 1996 Riesling Spätlese Neumagener Rosengärtchen ($57) 4 stars
Yes it’s on the pricey side, but it’s worth every cent and besides, when was the last time you tasted a 21-yearold riesling? Some assume that the word ‘spatlese’ is going to mean the wine will be really sweet. Yet this incredibly fresh riesling from the famous Neumagener Rosengärtchen vineyard is beautifully balanced. Scented with … Read More
Black Estate Damsteep North Canterbury Riesling 2016 ($27) 4.5 stars
This is a really unusual, spicy, punchy riesling from their clay and limestone-laden Damsteep vineyard located at the foot of the Omihi Saddle. Grown biodynamically and 2 years into their organic certification, these 17 year-old vines are really hitting their straps. Matured in 3-10yr old barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation gives gorgeous, creamy complexity to … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin CANVAS column for Sat 16 Sept 2017
Central Otago might reside at the bottom of the world, but its aromatic whites are interstellar… Archangel Stephania Central Otago Riesling 2015 $25 Zenek Zurakowski has cleverly added the official International Riesling Foundation sweetness scale to his back label, clearly indicating this is definitely on the dry end of the spectrum. Lifted green apple and … Read More
Maude Central Otago Pinot Gris 2017 $26.99
Central Otago has serious talent when it comes to hitting the stage with class-act pinot gris. Brand new and framed with an elegant line of nashi and quince, this new release is delicately fruity, with a lovely chalky texture and cleansing finish. Sourced from vineyards growing at the foot of Mount Maude in Wanaka and … Read More
Ted by Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Blanc 2016 $24.99
Pinot blanc is such a rare thing in this country, but Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer are experts at crafting some of the best year after year. It’s a complex little number, with summer wild flowers, white peach, walnut flesh and soft, exotic spices alongside a squeak of honeysuckle which adds a frill to the … Read More
Archangel Stephania Central Otago Riesling 2015 $25
Zenek Zurakowski has cleverly added the official International Riesling Foundation sweetness scale to his back label, clearly indicating this is definitely on the dry end of the spectrum. Lifted green apple and luscious lime aromas literally leap from the glass and then they rip across the tongue leaving a wake of wet stone and quartzy, … Read More