Sourced from a tiny patch of land overlooking the jawdroppingly picturesque Te Puna inlet, this smooth, inky-maroon, unfiltered syrah just bursts with fresh berries, subtle cocoa and plucky pepper characters. 10% whole bunch fermented, 50% of which was aged in new French oak, this is fleshy, earthy fabulousness in a bottle. Sip with: Classic beef … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Byrne Vineyard Waingaro Syrah 2015 $32
Ben’s original syrah, sourced from 5 clones grown on his tiny, north-facing block overlooking Lake Waingaro, Kerikeri’s main water supply, is 30% whole bunch fermented with a splash of viogier and some extra viognier skins to boost the aromatic lift. Glossy, gorgeous and perfumed with pepper, violets, bay, cocoa and a hint of apricot kernel, … Read More
Byrne Vineyard Puketotara Syrah 2015 $24
Here you have 100% whole bunch fermented, ‘Chave’ clone syrah from the volcanic loam soils of the Fat Pig vineyard on Puketotara Road in Waipapa. Gently foot-stomped and aged in old French oak, this syrah is a delicate example, weighing in at just 11.5% alcohol. Scented with green peppercorn and violets, it has a plush, … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 29th April, 2017
In 2015, Northland winemaker Ben Byrne decided his parcels of fruit from three different syrah locations each had too much personality to lose if they were blended. Hence, he bottled them individually and magic ensued… Byrne Vineyard Puketotara Syrah 2015 $24 Here you have 100% whole bunch fermented, ‘Chave’ clone syrah from the volcanic loam … Read More
Mahana Davey’s Lease Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $42 (4stars)
Winemaker Michael Glover has thrown so many ‘non-sauvignon’ techniques at this wine, it’s now something that might be sauvignon, but not as we know it. Bright, glossy, golden and boasting a lean, smoky, watercressy nose and a palate layered with almond meal, celery seed, bay and tarragon characters. A combo of French oak and acacia … Read More
Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $23.75 (3.5stars)
From their Wrekin Road vineyard, comes this intensely herbaceous sauvignon, with loads of crushed nettles and a wave of jalapeno on the nose before morphing into a soft, basil, passionfruit and lemony layers in the mid-palate. It’s a plump, tropical sauvignon that’ll win with mussel fritters. www.fairhalldowns.co.nz
Wine column week commencing 15th April, 2017
One of the bazillions of things that I love about wine, is that when I’m doing my tastings sure as eggs something’s going to surprise me. Something will step up, stand out and shake the old foundations of what I think is stylistically ‘normal’. I love that I’m seeing WAY more sauvignon blanc that’s been … Read More
Champagne Marion Bosser Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc NV $60
Enjoyed by First Class passengers on British Airways, and recent winner of the Chairman’s Trophy at the ‘Ultimate Wine Challenge’ in NYC, this jaw-slackingly sensational champagne from a tiny vineyard in Hautvillers (home of Dom Perignon) is made by all-female team of Bernadette Marion-Bosser (who rebuilt the brand back in 1994) and her young daughter … Read More
Karven Bianco Vermouth 500ml $44.95
The lift of fresh orange zest, intense spices and a mouthfeel so smooth and seductive, it’s no surprise that good vermouth has been used for centuries to aid digestive health and fire up even the most flaccid of libidos. Created from local grapes and botanicals like kawakawa and horopito sourced from near the Riverhead-based distillery, … Read More
Mon Cheval Waipara Gewurztraminer 2016 $29.99
Whoever said racehorses were a great way to lose money, clearly didn’t own ‘Under Cover Lover’, the champion racehorse who earned her owners enough cash to start their dream as winegrowers in Waipara’s Weka Pass. Very small amounts of this gewürztraminer were made by legendary winemaker CP Lin, and I love the ginger, musk and … Read More