Wine and food matching. The fact that it’s even a thing is the relatively recent result of American neo-prohibitionists in1970’s demanding that if alcoholic beverages were to be served anywhere, then suitable food needed to be provided. So canny restaurateurs clicked rather quickly that if you’re going to do it, do it well and put … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Sacred Hill Halo Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $25 ★★★★½
Born in the now nationally-reverred Rifleman’s Vineyard which lies in a secret spot inland-west of Napier in Puketapu’s Dartmoor Valley, this is an ‘impress-your-friends’ chardonnay if ever I tasted one. Prepare for a burst of fennel, peach and vanilla, alongside some white pepper and a big, juicy, satisfying texture. It’s fat, fresh and fabulous. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Tiki Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $23 ★★★★½
Crafted by winemaking legend Evan Ward, this wine oozes smoked apricot, toasty nectarine and oatmealy, creamy flavours. There’s a gently juicy texture, silky citrus and vanilla-infused spices wash around the back teeth. And it’s rich, fulfilling and rather fabulous.This is a great wine from a chardonnay master at work. For stockists visit www.tikiwine.com
Alchemy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $27 ★★★★
Google will have you believe that Alchemy is defined as “a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination” This wine however, has had much calculated thought put into it by owner Neal Cave and winemaker Ant Mackenzie. Clones 15 and ENTAV-548, were handpicked, 100% barrel fermented in 30% new French oak and given a … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 26th June, 2016
Mourning for a bygone era? Fret not, big fat chardonnay’s are out there, you just have to have a “girls look”. Alchemy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 $27 ★★★★ Google will have you believe that Alchemy is defined as “a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination” This wine however, has had much calculated thought … Read More
Mudbrick Reserve Syrah 2014 $60
Fresh peppercorn, cherry, violet, pomegranate and liquorice layers kind of ‘peacocks tail’ it out across the palate, leaving dried herb and dark berry flavours cloaked in furry tannins. Unlike some Waiheke syrahs that tend to the chunky side, this is an elegant example – the cigarette pants of syrah if you were to get fashionista … Read More
Soho ‘Maren’ Marlborough Riesling 2015 $26
Woah Nelly! This is a lime-laden kick in the face, a gum-numbingly fresh little riesling designed to put your tastebuds into a tangelo-laced tangle in seconds flat. At 11.6% alcohol there’s a squeak of sweetness, but it’s mostly bony-dry. If James Rowan continues to turn out sensational riesling like this, pretty soon someone will put … Read More
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Gewürztraminer 2015 $25
This organically produced wine is golden and glossy in the glass and absolutely heaves with heady spices, musky pot pourri and Turkish delight aromas. On the palate it’s defiantly dry, boasting a touch of flinty, mineral and ginger-edged heat, layers of ripe stonefruit and has a long, indulgently exotic finish. Sip with: Saag Chicken Tikka … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 2nd July, 2016
Julia Child once said “I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food”. She also said “Every woman should own a blowtorch”. I miss Julia. Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Gewürztraminer 2015 $25 This organically produced wine is golden and glossy in the glass and absolutely heaves with heady spices, musky … Read More
Matawhero Church House Gisborne Malbec 2015 $26
A huge lift of berries and cocoa on the nose lead to a fulsome and lush impression in the mouth. The Searle family are building quite a reputation for magic malbec with fresh acidity, rosehip, cranberry and pepper flavours and a smooth, incredibly textural spicy finish. Sip with: Rare Beef Tataki. www.matawhero.co.nz