It’s funny how if you put the word ‘un’ in front of something, people assume it’s going to be somehow lacking. They’ll have to eat their hats, however, because this heavenly little creature from Hunters hits all the right spots. Juicy nectarine and grapefruity goodness on the nose leads to layers of lemon and peach … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Bellbird Spring Waipara Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $26 (4 stars)
Guy Porter and his family are all hands on deck when it comes to making this unique style of rosé. 100% pinot noir grapes are crushed and fermented ultra-dry in old oak barrels to add to the complexity and character. Mineral-driven, peppery, lipsmackingly dry – it’s a lean, clean style that’ll work beautifully with slabs … Read More
Brancott Estate Reflection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc/Sauvignon Gris 2016 $60 (5 stars)
This blend of the top parcels of sauvignon blanc and sauvignon gris that Brancott’s winemaker Patrick Materman has had his eye on for aeons, this unique wine has exotic aromas of white peach, marzipan, elderflower and a hint of lemongrass. Juicy, mouthfilling and incredibly textural, it’s absolutely gorgeous to sip. Created in collaboration with New … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat 18th Nov 2017
If you fancy yourself as New Zealand’s next top wine star, then you may just want to take this newspaper article and squirrel yourself away somewhere secret and quiet to ponder your potential, because the Family of Twelve network of wineries has announced an extraordinary opportunity for the country’s wine professionals. Invitations will open on … Read More
Coal Pit Central Otago Rosé 2017 $26.95 (4 stars)
With its enticing aromas of candyfloss, creaming soda and Eton Mess pudding, this shiny new pinot noir-based rosé also bursts with redcurrant, pink peppercorn and lipsmacking acidity. It’s a very complete wine, saturated with flavour while being delicate and stylish to the ‘nth’ degree. Sip with: pear and prosciutto salad. www.coalpitwine.com
Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $35 (4.5 stars)
There’s a word that immediately springs to mind when you sip this wine and that’s “whoompha!”. Bold, dark berries, clouds of cocoa and cherry-soaked layers of flavour, this is a pinot noir that’ll have you howling at the moon. Solid, furry tannins dial the chew-factor up to fifteen and winemaker Pete Bartle has really made … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday 18th Nov 2017
Great pinot noir is moody and mysterious and versatile and magical and alluring and will give you the power to not click on all those soul-sapping yoga-app ads on Facebook. Coal Pit Central Otago Rosé 2017 $26.95 (4 stars) With its enticing aromas of candyfloss, creaming soda and Eton Mess pudding, this shiny new pinot … Read More
Bird Wines Big Barrel Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $29.95 (4 stars)
Steve Bird employs the ‘Vernou Roll’ method to make this wine. A process where he uses big old 900L barrels for fermentation and maturation. Gently rolling the barrels regularly to allow greater integration of the oak flavours and the grippy, textural components. Red rose, black cherry, smoke and a deeply succulent texture makes this one … Read More
Mazuran’s Vintage Port 1974 $P.O.A
Mazuran’s on Lincoln Road, West Auckland have been crafting port wines since the early 1940’s, and magnificently, have vintage ports still available to buy dating back to 1942. They are the only New Zealand winery to distil its own grape brandy for fortifying its wines, many of which are made using 79-year-old vines. 79! I … Read More
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Rosé 2017 $22 (3.5 stars)
Certified organic syrah grapes have been used to craft this dry and mineral-driven rosé that’s light and lean and best served super-chilled. Not overly full or spicy, it’s a tangy, fruity, refreshing quaffer. www.stonecroft.co.nz