Silver Wing Waipara Pinot Noir 2013 $36 (4.5 stars)

6 September 2017By Yvonne

Crafted with wild yeasts and as little preservative as possible, this pinot has an earthy, smoky note from being aged in French oak barrels for 19 months, 15% of which were brand new.  Chock full of cocoa, red cherry and rhubarb, it’s got real pluck and power behind it, making it a seriously tasty product … Read More

Momo Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $24 (4.5 stars)

6 September 2017By Yvonne

Just becaue it’s not bright and glossy-looking, don’t let that stop you from leaping into this gorgeous wine.  It’s simply un-fined and unfiltered and made as naturally as you can.  Aromatically it heaves with hibiscus rosehip, cherry and cranberry, while on the palate it’s a tsunami of taste.  Mixed spices, cocoa, raspberry and silky saturation … Read More

Mahana Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $39.50 (4.5 stars)

6 September 2017By Yvonne

Certified organic and produced biodynamically, this pinot has a cloudy appearance due to it not being filtered or fined therefore it’s filled with flavour, the whole flavour and nothing but the flavour. Soft, elegant, truffle-edged and earthy, I love the baked cherry and raspberry layers – fine-grained tannins and fluttery length.  It’s got gravitas for … Read More

Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Sangiovese 2013 $35 (4 stars)

6 September 2017By Yvonne

Crafted by the clever kids over at Osawa Wines in Hawke’s Bay’s Maraekakaho district, this is a lithe, lovely, local example of an Italian classic, which boasts buckets of red cherry, redcurrant and raspberry, all wrapped up in an earthy, suede-like texture on the finish.  Juicy, yet dry and smoky, it’s maturing nicely and just … Read More

Beach House Gimblett Gravels Reserve Merlot 2014 $25

6 September 2017By Yvonne

If you’re like me and have moments where you could absolutely murder a glass of merlot, then this little lovely will make all your wildest dreams come true.  Plump, plush and packed solid with plum and black forest flavours, chocolate, sweet smoke notes and a pillowy, perfectly poised texture lead to a long, fleshy finish. … Read More

Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 $48

6 September 2017By Yvonne

In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid mostly) to restore the vines and get the decrepit, but legendary winery back up to scratch. It’s clearly worked. There’s a bold, buxom, plum and cocoa character to this wine, complete with grippy tannins, smoky warmth … Read More

Canvas column Sat Aug 5 2017

6 September 2017By Yvonne

There’s something about Merlot… Here are two truths.  1. I am unashamedly a merlotphile.  2. I have never watched Game of Thrones.  OK now you can judge me… Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 $48  In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid … Read More

Hãhã Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2016 $16

6 September 2017By Yvonne

Berries?  Check.  Plum?  Check.  Truckloads of spices?  Check.  Ribsticking length of flavour?  That’s a check by heck.  Basically it’s a warming, cuddly, fabulously tongue-fuzzing, multi-tasking merlot that’ll please the crowds and win friends and influence people.  Your wallet will remain calm and zen too. Sip with: slivers of prosciutto www.pointwines.co.nz www.yvonnelorkin.com

Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris 2013 $23

18 August 2017By Yvonne

Twenty minutes from Christchurch on the West Coast Road (SH73) is a leafy locale known as West Melton, home to a plucky community of winegrowers, including Philip Caunter, a million-miles-an-hour man who doubles as ‘software entrepreneur’ and ‘ardent fan of the West Melton RFC’.  His vines grow on free-draining, greywacke-littered soils gifted by ancient braided … Read More

Canvas column week commencing 29th July, 2017

18 August 2017By Yvonne

Thankfully, Christchurch’s liquefaction has all but disappeared, but in Canterbury’s outer winescape, there’s some serious liquid action going on.  See what I did there?  Liquifaction – liquid-action?  OK, back to your smashed avocado then… Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris 2013 $23 Twenty minutes from Christchurch on the West Coast Road (SH73) is a leafy locale … Read More