This stony, sun-baked pocket of perfection regularly reveals racy, riotously good riesling. Winemaker Dean Shaw has captured intense lime, grapefruit and mandarin flavours dusted with quartz and flint to create this luscious, lip-smacking sip. Owner Denis Marshal is an ex minister of Conservation, Minister of Lands and the Associate Minister of Agriculture, so he’s totally … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24
Ryan O’Connell did a very clever thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale, because now they’re a firm favourite with hobbit fans. The 50-year-old family dairy farm was converted to grapegrowing some year’s back and they contract grew for big brands until deciding to hold the best fruit and have a crack at bottling … Read More
Canvas column week commencing
Want change out of $30 on your wine this weekend? Reward your savvy purchasing power with a Moro bar from the dairy. Or two Moro bars, because you can. Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24 Ryan O’Connell did a very clever thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale, because now they’re a firm … Read More
Chard Farm Mata-Au Lowburn Pinot Noir 2014 $47
Chard Farm are an aristocrat amongst Antipodean pinot producers, and there’s a reason for that. It’s all about elegance and balance at Chard even in a brand new pinot like this. Very pretty, with hints of cherries and cream, succulent spices, lifted dried herb and cranberry characters, it’s a wine it’s a concentrated, layered and … Read More
Main Divide Te Hau Reserve Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $33
With its gently juicy strawberry and raspberry characters on the nose, pillowy-fresh palate feel edged with cherry and softly clinging tannins, it’s a dangerously easy to drink pinot. Produced by the talented team at Pegasus Bay, the Te Hau has hints of smoke and game meats followed by luxurious length of flavour. Sip with: tuna … Read More
Odyssey Reserve Iliad Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $42
Certified organic, this Rebecca Salmond-crafted pinot is awash with black fruits, pomegranate and cranberry characters alongside a super-juicy, softly spiced, gentle texture and plush, fulsome fresh cherry, raspberry and tealeaf flavours on the finish. Sip with: Portobello mushroom mousse www.odysseywines.co.nz
Canvas wine column week commencing 16th July, 2016
If you ever needed any help to roar into the chorus of John Denver’s ‘High Calypso’, these three perfect pinots will definitely help you get your yodel on… Odyssey Reserve Iliad Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $42 Certified organic, this Rebecca Salmond-crafted pinot is awash with black fruits, pomegranate and cranberry characters alongside a super-juicy, softly … Read More
Monte Carbonare Suavia 2014 $29.90
How groovy is this bottle? It’s name, ‘Monte Carbonare’ means ‘Hill of Coal’, probably derived from the deep, volcanic soils of Veneto where it’s grown. This Soave (sew-arvay) is made from 100% Garganega grapes and I love the dry, cleansing texture and lemon pith, lychee, peach and quince layers. It’s gorgeous – more please! Sip … Read More
Cà dei Frati I Frati Lugana 2015 $29.90
Don’t let the discombobulating name worry you because as soon as you sip this wonderful Italian white, all will be right with the world. Crafted from 100% Turbiana (a rare, indigenous white grape) grown around the Lake Garda area of Veneto, this is stunningly aromatic, all apricot stone, nectarine and quince, followed by ultra-zesty acidity, … Read More
Pieropan Valpolicella Superiore Ruberpan 2012 $39
Here’s a beautifully earthy blend of certified organic, Corvina Veronese, Rondinella Corvinone and Croatina Veronese grapes grown in the hills of the Cellore d’Illasi in the Valpolicella region. Gently juicy, it’s a strawberry and cherry-soaked red that’ll have you shouting “Mama Mia!” within a seconds of your first sip. Saucy, smooth and savoury-edged – it’s … Read More