Joan and Tony Lawrence planted their first Pisa Flats vineyard in 1997, and over the coming couple of years, son Brook and daughter-in-law Lucie took over the winemaking side of the story and things have rocketed ahead ever since. This ‘solely chardonnay’ sparkling wine has those classic, clean, lean, almond meal and lemon shortbread flavours … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Goldie Reserve Waiheke Viognier 2015 $42
If you’ve never tasted viognier before, or whether you’re a seasoned pro, here’s a wine that you’ve got to try. The tricky thing about growing viognier is the acidity can drop and become soapy – but that’s where Waiheke Island has an edge. Constantly fanned by the seabreezes, the grapes don’t get a chance to … Read More
Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40
Some wines literally grip you around the shoulders and shake you into the realisation that yes; this is what utterly excellent pinot noir tastes like. This bottle does exactly that. I was wowed from the second I poured into the glass by its seductive sandalwood and spice aromas, musky wild cherry, berry and rosehip notes. It’s … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 24th October, 2016
Fourty is the new 20? Hardly. Spend an extra twenty bucks and your tastebuds will be born again… Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40 Some wines literally grip you around the shoulders and shake you into the realisation that yes; this is what utterly excellent pinot noir tastes like. This bottle does exactly that. … Read More
Terra Sancta Central Otago Rosé 2016 $27.95
A super-pretty pinot noir-based rose from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, nectarine, plum and fresh herb notes give this wine lift alongside hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It has some nice density and presence on the palate, with a twang of strawberry on the finish. It’s a food-friendly style that is focused and rather … Read More
Jules Taylor Gisborne Rosé 2016 $24
How pretty is this wine! The double whammy of gorgeous crimson colour and a waft of strawberries and cream gives this wine some serious edge. 97% merlot and a splash of 3% pinot noir from Gisborne on the sunsoaked East Coast, creates a multi-sensory experience involving buckets of plum, cherry, watermelon and tangy tamarillo. The … Read More
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 $23
A super-pretty pinot noir-based rose from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, plum and fresh herb notes, give this wine lift alongside hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It has nice density and presence on the palate and a twang of strawberry on the finish. It’s a food-friendly style that’s focused and rather fabulous. Sip … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 1st October, 2016
Someone once bade me farewell by saying “kisses on all ya pink parts” which I felt overstepped the mannerly mark. These pink drinks however, are more than decent… Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 $23 A super-pretty pinot noir-based rose from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, plum and fresh herb notes, give this wine … Read More
Jérôme Quiot Vacqueyras 2014 $33
A blend of syrah, grenache and mourvèdre from France’s Rhone region, produced by the Quiot family who’ve been making wine since 1748. 1748! This new puppy has a lovely lift of fresh raspberries and redcurrant, cracked pepper and rosehip tea on the nose, followed by fresh berryfruit on the palate and a spicy kick on … Read More
Clearview Estate Cape Kidnappers Syrah 2015 $27
Woah Nelly!! How’s about the whoomph of clove, cinnamon, currants and cocoa on the nose? It’s an aromatic colossus, and one I couldn’t stop sniffing. But once you do you’ll note that it’s incredibly juicy and fleshy for a young wine. I love the onslaught of blackcurrant, peppercorn and graphite goodness in this coastal-grown syrah. … Read More