Certified organic chardonnay here from Geoff and Nicola Wright, chardonnay that has a distinct ‘struck match’ aroma, smoky, flinty layers that once pushed through, give way to a ripe, rich, viscose palate packed with peach, caramelised, toasty characters, butterscotch and nutty notes on the finish. It’s a complex little chardonnay with bright acidity and a … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $23 (4 star)
Here’s a bold, stonefruit-soaked southern pinot gris that boasts honeysuckle, baking spices, roast peach and loads of tangy acidity and lifted florals. It’s juicy, succulent and a really satisfying example that any pinot gris fan will fawn over – especially with a fluffy blue cheese soufflé and pear and rocket salad. www.akarua.com
Te Pa Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $19 (4.5 star)
Golden, glossy and gorgeous in the glass and a trophy winner weighing in at under $20 – how great is that? Sweetly perfumed with roast pear and apple strudel notes, spice and lifted, peachy flavours. It’s tangy and fruity to drink yet it finishes zesty and dry. There’s a lovely zingy texture on that coats … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Pinot Gris 2016 $25 (3.5 star)
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
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