Rock Ferry Brut Non-Vintage Chardonnay Pinot Noir $35 Made from organic vineyards owned by the Hutchison family, this blend of 60% Marlborough chardonnay and 40% Central Otago pinot noir is a rich, nutty, citrus-edged sparkling that has beautiful, biscuity complexity on the finish. Fine and elegantly structured, it’s a magic méthode that tastes as it … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Ernesto Catena Padrillos Malbec 2014 $24
A label shouldn’t sway one, but merry-go-round ponies scampering on a pale blue background? Who can resist? ‘Padrillos’ means ‘stallion’ in Spanish, named after the wild herds that appeared in the dreams of Argentine winemaker Ernesto Catena. Grown under the searing Mendoza sun, this Malbec oozes fresh plum, intense blackberry and lavender alongside concentrated, ripe … Read More
Earthkeepers Otiake Blend #1 2013 $30
Here’s a gorgeously floral, delicately structured blend of pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer grown in the Waitaki Valley, one of the most unforgiving wine regions in the country. Aromas of crushed shells, lemon pith, nashi pear, lychee, guava and white peach all lead to a juicy, spice-driven, richly textured and rather moody, magical wine. It … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 20th August, 2016
Spread your style-sense across the wines you serve. Pop the cork. Twist the cap. Fash! On! Earthkeepers Otiake Blend #1 2013 $30 Here’s a gorgeously floral, delicately structured blend of pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer grown in the Waitaki Valley, one of the most unforgiving wine regions in the country. Aromas of crushed shells, lemon … Read More
Tony Bish Skeetfield Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $55
Bish’s name is synonymous with crafting some of New Zealand’s most iconic chardonnays and here’s his flagship creation under his solo brand. Sourced from old, dry-farmed Mendoza clone fruit from Denis Gunn’s vineyard in Hawke’s Bay’s Ohiti district, it shows layers of grapefruit pith, hazelnut, crisp, crunchy-fresh stonefruit marrying with soft, creamy notes in the … Read More
Two Hands Angels Share McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 $39
Immediately on the nose here’s a classic, juicy, meaty and spice-hefty wine that boasts bucketloads of bright berries and cocoa characters in the mouth as well. For a vibrant, elegant, substantial shiraz that also leaves fine, chewy tannins on the finish – here’s your winner. Sip with: slow-cooked beef cheeks www.caros.co.nz
Brightwater Lord Rutherford Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $30
Whenever Brightwater release a ‘Lord Rutherford’ you know it’s something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines through each season, while winemaker Tom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and into this bottle. With its smoked passionfruit, soft herbs, citrus and marzipan notes, this is Sauvignon but not as we know it. Sip … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 27th August, 2016
The Beatles sang All You Need Is Love. I’d argue a glass of wine wouldn’t hurt… Brightwater Lord Rutherford Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $30 Whenever Brightwater release a ‘Lord Rutherford’ you know it’s something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines through each season, while winemakerTom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and … Read More
Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $65
The fruit that goes into Pahi comes from 30 year old vines growing on the tiny ‘McReanor’ block on Princess Street in Martinborough. Maturity is key with pinot noir, and under the wizard-like guidance of Larry McKenna (or McPinot to his mates) the wine bursts with mixed spice, rhubarb, black tea, cocoa and sandalwood notes. … Read More
Sileni Exceptional Vintage Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2013 $70
Hawke’s Bay could easily prove itself a powerhouse pinot region if wines like this become the norm. The silty clay and gravel soils of their vineyards have produced an intensely concentrated, pot-pourri scented pinot that unleashes a tsunami of red fruits, earthy spices, tea and rosehip flavours. Seductive and saucy. Sip with: lamb steaks and … Read More