Tony Bish Heartwood Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $35

24 May 2017By Yvonne

The debut release this month from the chardonnay’s Commander in Chief is an exercise in pure balance and excess combined.  My quest for excellent chardonnay is basically what gets me up in the morning, so the day after sipping this, I had a blissful, snorey, sleep-in.   Fleshy, juicy, stonefruit notes combine with a whiff of … Read More

Murphy Goode California Chardonnay 2014 $25

24 May 2017By Yvonne

Super-creamalicous on the nose and palate, this is classic California chardonnay from Santa Rosa that I’m sure will appeal to both mama’s and the papa’s and cool kids alike.  Bursting with ultra-ripe peach, coconut, vanilla and layers of roasty-toasty almond, it’s also fresh, citrusy and a total trop-fest on the palate. Sip with: Baked, cornflake-coated … Read More

Seresin Son and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125

24 May 2017By Yvonne

Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelized plums served in a bowl carved from oak.  Seresin’s flagship pinot, the ‘purest expression’ they can make, is intense in the mouth, with high acidity and muscular, supple tannins. The length of flavour is persistent, brooding … Read More

Canvas column week commencing 6th May, 2017

24 May 2017By Yvonne

In a week of being so busy I can’t feel my face, it’s heartening to know that tasty relief is at hand…   Seresin Son and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125 Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelized plums served in a … Read More

Hunter’s Marlborough Riesling 2016 $18.90 (4.5 stars)

17 May 2017By Yvonne

If you’re looking for a bouncy, vivacious riesling that zings with flavour, you’ve come to the right spot because this new release from Hunter’s is so incredibly clean, fresh and limey.  With its snappy citrus and crushed shell notes, crunchy green apple and hints of honeysuckle, it’ll make any recipe featuring ginger, chilli, garlic and … Read More

Unison Gimblett Gravels Reserve Merlot 2012 $30 (4stars)

17 May 2017By Yvonne

I used to work on a raspberry farm when I was in high school (loved it btw) and every time I sniff this wine it takes me back to those days of repeatedly sticking my face inside a leafy, fruit-scented canopy to harvest those plump, juicy berries. Fresh, spicy, with layers of plum-rubbed leather and … Read More

Sottano Reserva de Familia Malbec 2012 $43 (4 stars)

17 May 2017By Yvonne

Dense inky, muscular and shows a strong core of dark boysenberry, blackcurrant leaf, charred capsicum, and sensational smoky, meaty layers.  The texture of the tannins is chewy and deliciously drying, while a strong current of pepper and cocoa carry through to a long, persistent finish.  Enjoy with blackened lamb shoulder and pomegranate glaze. For info … Read More

Cantine Riondo Castelforte Veneto Valpolicella Superiore 2013 $19 (3.5 stars)

17 May 2017By Yvonne

The Valpolicella Blend is based on three indigenous red-wine grape varieties grown in the Veneto region in Italy’s northeast. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are the trio primarily involved in the Valpolicella DOC, Corvina plays the starring role in Valpolicella (up to 75 percent) and is regarded as the blend’s lynchpin. Known more for its acidity … Read More

Villa Pisoni Chianti Riserva 2013 $25.99 (4 stars)

17 May 2017By Yvonne

Long gone are the days of your Chianti coming complete with a wicker basket wrapped around the bottle (they’re called ‘fiascoe’s’ btw) Thankfully today Chianti is much classier. Crafted from 100% sangiovese fruit, this light, supple, cherry and berry bang of a wine has powdery, clinging tannins and an earthy undercurrent that I really like.  … Read More

Wine column week commencing 29th April, 2017

17 May 2017By Yvonne

It’s that time again.  Menfolk of all ages and stages have been fervently cleaning their weaponry, dusting the spiderwebs and cockroach carcasses out of their favourite SwanDri’s and oilskin coats, queuing up to renew their hunting licenses, buying new decoys, camo netting and carting trailer loads of ‘supplies’ to out to rickety maimais in the … Read More