Crippled by tradition I could feel myself slipping. The grass was too slick, the angle of the bank too angular and my choice of footwear completely unsuitable. And no, I wasn’t teetering around in stiletto’s and an ill-behaved fascinator searching for a cross-country shortcut to the port-a-loos at the Labour Day races. I was, in … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Oct 28 2017
You think you’re Kaiser Sosé on the outside, but you’re actually Ruthie Rosé on the inside, am I right? Viento Aliseo Rosado 2015 $15.99 Organic, biodynamically crafted rosé or ‘rosado’ here from the folk at Dominio De Punctum in Spain’s La Mancha region. Made from 100% bobal grapes (the name derives from ‘bovale’ after the … Read More
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $23.99 (5 stars)
Punchy and perfumed with black tea, spice and ripe plummy notes, this is a slippery, succulent, super-easy, red fruited refresher. Fresh and youthful as opposed to those super-earthy, leathery, horsey, sweaty pinots that are out there. Bright, breezy and easy-pleasy. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Forrest Marlborough Rosé 2017 $22 (5 stars)
Ever felt let down by rosé that lacks body and bounce? The fret no more because this little cracker from Marlborough pioneer’s Forrest Estate, has buckets of raspberry, strawberry and creaming soda characters and bright acidity make this a fruit fest of a rosé if ever there was one. www.forrest.co.nz
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $14.95 (4 stars)
This is a real crowd-pleaser of a chardonnay that ticks all the boxes for tropical tastiness, toasty, nutty notes and some plucky peachy layers that’ll keep everyone happy. Softer-styled and supple acidity adds extra complexity to the mouthfeel. www.saintclair.co.nz
Hawkdun Rise HR Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40 (4 star)
John Grant and Suzanne Bali-Grant run the Hawkdun Rise property on Letts Gully Road in Alexandra. Their HR pinot noir is floral and feisty on the nose, all raspberry tea and cherry. It’s a lighter style which shows soft waves of cherry and pomegranate that sneak up and grip you around the gums. Textural and … Read More
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $30 (5 star)
Created by the master pinot craftsman Grant Taylor, comes my new favourite pinot gris. Lovely nashi pear, peach and the softest of ginger flavours makes this Gibbston-grown gris kick start a happy dance in the mouth. With a rich, creamy, textural mouthfeel and huge palate appeal, you’d best be quick to get your mits on … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat Oct 21 2017
Bid you Good Day The oldest and most prestigious wine auction in the Southern Hemisphere is almost upon us and it’s definitely a highlight for me. Kicking off on November 11th at 1pm is the 26th Annual Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, where the regions most revered wine producers offer one-off, exclusive lots, (many in collaboration … Read More
Judge Rock Central Otago Riesling 2016 $24
A lovely, honey-biscuit aroma leads to soft apple and citrus concentration in this Alexandra-grown goblet of goodness. A burst of natural sweetness is balanced out by crushed shell minerality, tangy acidity and spicy complexity on the finish. Textural and taut. Sip with: garlic smoked mussels. www.judgerock.co.nz
Millton Opou Vineyard Gisborne Riesling 2015 $28
Organic, biodynamically-grown goodness here from East Coast icons James and Annie Millton. At just 8.5% alc, it’s retained a hefty whack of natural, honeysuckle-like sweetness which harmoniously connects with zesty, citrus-led freshness, apple, lime and all-round loveliness. Sip with: chicken tikka marsala. www.millton.co.nz