I just love it when shiraz is tizzied up with a splash of viognier. Just a tiny amount of viognier can elevate the dark fruit and spice aromatics of shiraz into floral realms of freshness that you’ve got to experience. I also love that this wine presents in a slimline, elegant bottle – which just … Read More
Author: Yvonne
VIGNERONS DE BUZET BARON D’ ALBRET ROUGE 2010 $35 (4 star)
Immediate aromas of coffee grinds, cocoa and ripe plum all osmose onto the palate in a wave of vanilla-soaked red fruits, medicinal spices, velvety tannins and a woolly, wonderfully dry mouthfeel. A cracker of a Bordeaux blend where Vignerons de Buzet is the union of winegrowers and employees who decided to take their future in … Read More
Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Albarino 2016 $22 (3.5 stars)
Guillaume Thomas & Esther Smith are two of the nicest new wine growers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. They’re young, ultra-industrious and always gun for the best. They’ve planted a tiny little vineyard high up on the Waimarama Road and turn out stunning examples of wine like this local incarnation of the spanish classic. … Read More
Wine column week commencing 10th June, 2017
We are really fortunate in New Zealand to have a great number of wine distributors and importers, who do an excellent job of selecting interesting and groovy wines from around the world for us to enjoy in our restaurants and choose at retail. Kiwis are naturally curious, we love experiencing the wild and wonderful stuff … Read More
Rod McDonald Mister Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2016 $17.99
How cute and storybookish is this label? Shouldn’t matter I know, but I was seduced straight away. Hawke’s Bay pinot gris has personality all of its own, so expect delicate Winter Cole pear aromas and juicy, nectarine and ginger-laced tension in the mouth. Taut and tightrope-like on the finish, it’s a groovy gris for sure. … Read More
Giesen Vineyard Selection Pinot Gris 2016 $17.99
Created from fruit sourced from vineyards around the country, this is a clean, tangy, apple-focused wine edged with nashi pear and peach notes. Lipsmackingly crisp acidity and laced with baking spices and boasting a dryish, minerally finish, it’s a crowd pleaser for sure. Sip with: a wedge of Emmental cheese and apple and feijoa chutney … Read More
Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2016 $25.90
If you’re a fan of pinot gris that feels luxuriously rich, plump and plush on the palate, yet finishes with a crisp, chalky-dry texture – then this is right up your cul de sac. Grown using chemical-free, natural viticulture techniques and carefully coaxed into the bottle by Dominic Maxwell and his talented team, this baked … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 10th June, 2017
Generally speaking, PG indicates Parental Guidance is required to partake in the entertainment on offer. I’d definitely be inviting mum and dad over to supervise when sipping this tasty PG trio… Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2016 $25.90 If you’re a fan of pinot gris that feels luxuriously rich, plump and plush on the palate, yet … Read More
Pa Road Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $16.99 (3.5 stars)
Here’s a great little introduction into Marlborough pinot noir, crafted by the McDonald family and the talented team at Te Pa Wines. It’s spicy, juicy, loaded with cherry and savoury, hedgerow fruits and has an earthy, slightly suede-like finish. Sip with classic, rosemary and garlic-studded roast lamb. www.thegoodwine.co.nz
La Valentina Colline Pescaresi Auha Fiano 2014 $39.50 (4 stars)
Gorgeously golden in the glass and bursting with daisy pollen and marzipan-like aromas, Fiano is an ancient grape that’s experiencing a modern renaissance. I love the light peach, soft almond notes, its bright, vibrant, mineral-driven mouthfeel and white pepper and freshly-baled hay layers on the finish. It’s an envelope-pusher of a white wine that’ll rock … Read More