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
Author: Yvonne
Canvas column week commencing 30th July, 2016
Don’t wait for the moon to hit-a your eye with a big-a-pizza-pie. Stop. Sip. And feel the amore immediately… 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, … Read More
Cannonball California Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 ★★★½
As Californian as tans, teeth and tiny dogs, this is a bold, bouncy cabernet that dials the spice and plushness up to high gear. Named after what we kiwi’s call the ‘bomb’, one sip of this and you’ll definitely be in the deep end – with a cabernet crush that is. Made from fruit grown … Read More
Ripponvale ‘Lapins’ Central Otago Cherry Wine 2015 $24.95
Central Otago cherries are one of my favourite fruits and that they’re now being made into wine puts me in my happy place. It’s no tricked up, sugar-soaked, fortified, fruit wine either – rather it’s incredibly pure, clean and elegantly structured. The cherry flavours are natural, plus the soft spices, berry notes and fresh acidity … Read More
Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015 $28 ★★★★★
How clean, light, tangy and terrific is this wine? I’ll tell you. It’s darn excellent ok. It’s so good it’ll turn even the most hard-boiled pinot gris Grinch. Bursting with ripe pear, peach, quince and yummy yuzu flavours, it’s delicious on every level. Central Otago has real talent for this variety. Sip with: smoked chicken … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 6th August, 2016
Give yourself a slap in the chops with flavours that’ll have you dreaming of Spring… Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015 $28 ★★★★★ How clean, light, tangy and terrific is this wine? I’ll tell you. It’s darn excellent ok. It’s so good it’ll turn even the most hard-boiled pinot gris Grinch. Bursting with ripe … Read More
Blank Canvas Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 $45 ★★★★
Impenetrably inky in the glass, with a super-sexy sheen, I just wanted to devour it regardless of how it stacks up in the aroma and taste stakes. Often, to give syrah an aromatic boost, a splash of viognier is added to syrah (a la Côte Rôtie). However this peppery upstart has had 7.5% gruner veltliner … Read More
Matahiwi Holly Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $26 ★★★★★
One sip and I punched both fists in the air and yelled out “Jane Cooper is a genius!” Jane’s been creating award winning wines at Matahiwi since 2002 and when it comes to making darn glorious sauvignon, she’s a master. I love the intense nectarine, fresh mango and lime flavours that smash across the palate. … Read More
Fontanafredda Asti DOCG NV $29 ★★★½
With its pillowy mousse, sweet, musky, candied aromas edged with spice and lemon; it’s a tropical treat from Italy that’ll have your mouth watering in no time. A positively demure 7% alc means you can treat yourself to a couple of glasses over lunch without being sent sideways. Sip with: Pear, blue cheese, candied walnut … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 14th August, 2016
May I present three wines to get you through the last week of the Olympics. Fontanafredda Asti DOCG NV $29 ★★★½ With its pillowy mousse, sweet, musky, candied aromas edged with spice and lemon; it’s a tropical treat from Italy that’ll have your mouth watering in no time. A positively demure 7% alc means you … Read More