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
Author: Yvonne
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
Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2016 $19.66
The soft, spicy apple and lime aromas of this beautifully bone-dry riesling really appeal. Immediately zesty and gum-tingling on the palate, boatloads of mandarin, lemon, and grapefruity goodness abound on the finish. Sip with: parsley and panko crusted fish fillets. www.tohuwines.co.nz
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat Oct 21 2017
Labour Weekend. That means it’s time for your annual momentary lapse of riesling… Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2016 $19.66 The soft, spicy apple and lime aromas of this beautifully bone-dry riesling really appeal. Immediately zesty and gum-tingling on the palate, boatloads of mandarin, lemon, and grapefruity goodness abound on the finish. Sip with: parsley … Read More
Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $14.99 (4 stars)
Sourced from Tohu’s Awatere Valley vineyard, this bright young thing goes large on the lemon verbena, lime leaf, red capsicum and crunchy citrus characters. Bursting with sweet, cut-grass and fresh herbs, this is a terrifically textural, perfectly perky sauvignon blanc. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $25 (4 stars)
Most people don’t realise that some of New Zealands best sauvignon blanc can be found the further south you go. Dr Stephanie Lambert and her team at Amisfield, near Lake Hayes have created a classic example oozing green bean, green capsicum, green herbs, sweet pea and serious amounts of citrus. Full, fat and firing on … Read More