Aged on its yeast lees (what’s left over once the yeast finishes fermenting), this Wairarapa-grown gris is deliciously dry, lean, clean and shows an edge of apple skin, nashi juice and white pepper. There’s a splash of citrus on the finish and it’s got some good persistence on the palate. Grown organically and clearly there’s … Read More
Author: Yvonne
St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $55.99 (4.5 stars)
Here’s a gorgeously glossy, eucalypt and herb-scented little star that’s classic Coonawarra through and through. Blackcurrant, white pepper, smoky, cedar notes, loads of florals and a burst of black olive makes itself known on the finish. It’s a masculine, complex example that’s leathery, earthy and definitely drinking nicely now. www.firstglass.co.nz
Unison Gimblett Gravels Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010 $57 (4 stars)
Maturing nicely, this classic Gimblett Gravels cabernet oozes bouquet garni aromas, cocoa, mint and graphite alongside a squeak of vanilla and blackberry. The acidity is still right up front, while the tannin layers are softening into a support structure as opposed to being a chewy-dry mouthful. Savoury, peppery, leathery notes show themselves on the finish … Read More
wine column week commencing 17th June, 2017
We’re in the middle of June. June! How did this even happen so quickly? It’s like our year is David Hasselhoff and he just pressed the ‘turbo boost’ button on KIT’s dashboard (GenY’s and Millenials will be furiously Googling now I’m sure) Some people are winter people and that’s fabulous, however I’m not one of … Read More
Weaver Estate Central Otago Pinot Rosa 2014 $39
Pinot noir saignee juice (juice bled from the must) is fermented with wild yeasts and then aged for two years on lees in oak (whaat? That’s crazy talk for rosé!). But because of that, you get aromas of crab apple jam, melon, toasted cashew and berry blossom, plus it has great richness and substance. Essentially, … Read More
Huia Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $23
Expect a cheek-slappingly good explosion of passionfruit, lime zest, red capsicum, gooseberry and all manner of herbaceous heroism in this fully-certified, organic sauvignon blanc. Grown on the Allan family’s Boyces Road vineyard, it’s got power, drive and pluckiness on the palate and finishes with freshness, power and precision. What to pair with this wine? Sip … Read More
Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionelle NV $30
New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit looks a bit like an underground reef, and it sits directly below Quartz Reef’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bendigo. This biodynamically-grown, classically-styled fizz is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay sourced from both Bendigo and a small patch of vines in Gibbston and it’s one of the … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 15th June, 2017
Some snap, crackle and pop for your Saturday? Step right this way… Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionelle NV $30 New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit looks a bit like an underground reef, and it sits directly below Quartz Reef’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bendigo. This biodynamically-grown, classically-styled fizz is a blend of … Read More
Pask Declaration Hawke’s Bay Methode Traditionelle 2009 $40 (4.5 stars)
One of things I love about Kate Radburnd and her team at Pask, is that they are great keepers of secrets. Who knew they’d been sitting on an absolutely stunning sparkling wine for 8 years! Just released, this classically crafted blend of chardonnay and pinot noir has a deliciously finely-tuned texture in the mouth, soft … Read More
Liberty Wines Les Vignes de L’eglise Merlot Grenache IGP Pays D‘OC 2014 $23 (3.5 stars)
IGP means ‘indication géographique protégée’ which is one of the new French classification terms. It indicates some of the best value for money brands in the land, and I’ll tell you what, this is indeed a lithe little lovely from the Languedoc. It’s not often you get a blend of merlot and grenache in your … Read More