Oh wow. This is like a liquid toffee apple inside your glass. Gloriously golden and unctuous and heavenly honeyed, it’s a wine that’ll silence the table for a few seconds after everyone has their first sip. Caramelised apricot flavours are met with tangy, refreshing acidity which balances out the extreme sweetness and makes it a … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Ataahua Late Harvest Waipara Gewurztraminer 2014 375ml ($26) (4 stars)
If just looking at this golden glass of sweet deliciousness doesn’t seduce you, and turn you into a wobbly fool, then the magically musky, toffee-infused terrificness of this wine absolutely will. Silky and softly spiced, it’s indulgently, dangerously good and deserves to be consumed with a smile. And some of that new Castello truffle cheese … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat Aug 5th 2017
Anyone remotely tuned in to the craft beer community in New Zealand will have noticed an upswing in the number of groovy new brews being released that’ve had a wine influence. While overseas it’s not unusual to see pinot grigio-infused beers, for the most part, kiwi drinkers appear to prefer their porters, dark ales, lagers … Read More
Ataahua Waipara Merlot 2015 $30 (4 stars)
When you see a long, horseshoe-shaped cloud forming over North Canterbury, you know a raging nor-wester is imminent. It’s this wind that helps maintain a natural yield control on the vines, ensuring healthy fruit concentration and spicy intensity in this southern merlot. Crafted by Stephanie Henderson-Grant, expect aromas of bay leaf, rosemary, ripe blackberry and … Read More
Giesen Vineyard Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $17 (3.5 stars)
Here’s a cracking good, chocolately merlot that’s stitched together with prune, pepper, red berries and all manner of spicey niceness. The tannins have just the right amount of chew and the acidity has just the right amount of pucker. It’s a satisfying, saucy, sexy little sip indeed. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Gladstone Vineyard ‘Pushmi’ 2016 $31.50 (4 stars)
It’s a rare thing in this country to see sauvignon blanc blended with anything. It’s usually pure, crisp, punchy and clean. However, the team from Gladstone Wines in the Wairarapa have opted to get a tad funky on it by creating a co-ferment of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier in homage to the Dr Doolittle beast, … Read More
Yeastie Boys ‘Pullyu’ 750ml $45 (as part of a gift pack)
Ever tried beer made with wine? Here’s your chance with this white ale that the Yeastie’s have added to their 2014 ‘Spoonbender’ series. Taking a small portion of Gladstone Vineyard’s ‘Pushmi’ white wine (sauvignon and viognier) to create a candy-sugar to use alongside the malts and hops in the brew, the ‘Pullyu’ is a strong, … Read More
Serbal Mendoza Malbec Rosé 2015 $25 (3.5 stars)
If sweet rosé wines are not your thing, fret not. I’ve hunted high and low to address that issue and have found a little star you’ll love because it’s lipsmackingly lean and dry. Malbec rosé is not common and yet the team at Serbal are clearly experts in creating sophisticated, South American style rose that … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat August 26th 2017
Going Gaga for Gewurz Forget those flabby, sweet and sifty experiences of old, todays gewurztraminer’s are pure, precise and packed with punch-in-the-face flavour… Soljans Estate Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2016 $19.90 You’ll be wanting to move the Monaro and the Commodore to get to the Cortina so you can take this little bottle from West Auckland out … Read More
Soljans Estate Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2016 $19.90
You’ll be wanting to move the Monaro and the Commodore to get to the Cortina so you can take this little bottle from West Auckland out to the local BYO Thai. With classic musky notes on the nose, ginger, lychee and all that gewürztraminer good stuff, stylistically it’s grown on the East coast, schooled out … Read More