Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19

24 April 2017By Yvonne

Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak.  Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character – it’s one of those red wines that’ll have you reaching for your slippers, robe and pipe even if it is … Read More

Canvas column week commencing 15th October, 2016

24 April 2017By Yvonne

Syrah is a rising star, so get your astro-awareness on by tasting a smorgasbord of styles… Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19 Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak.  Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character … Read More

Moutere Hills Single Vineyard Nelson Syrah 2015 $35

21 April 2017By Yvonne

Lean and lifted, green peppercorn, violets, plush red berryfruits and truckloads of spice burst out of the glass and merge with fresh, elegant plum and cocoa characters and it leaves slippery, succulent, mouthwatering finish. Sip with: Peppery duck liver pate www.mouterehills.co.nz

Johner Gladstone Syrah 2013 $50

21 April 2017By Yvonne

Reds-wise, people tend to think the Wairarapa is pinot noir country, but sensational syrah is their secret little talent.  Earthy, gamey aromatic layers of smoke, old leather, cocoa and pepper entice the nose and osmose into the palate leaving a juicy, succulent and seriously savoury impression. Sip with: Strong, crumbly aged cheddar www.johner-estate.com

The Landing Bay of Islands Syrah 2013 $38

21 April 2017By Yvonne

Wow!  Grown atop the so-beautiful-it’s-unreal Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and crafted by the legendary Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate in Kerikeri, this syrah has alluring aromas of vanilla-spiced plum and lush, dark berryfruits, followed by a velvety-smooth, densely concentrated mouthfeel and finish. Sip with: slivers of venison salami www.thelandingvineyard.com

Canvas column week commencing 22nd October, 2016

21 April 2017By Yvonne

So you thought Hawke’s Bay and Waiheke had Syrah all sewn up?  Well here are three little lovelies from less well-known zones… The Landing Bay of Islands Syrah 2013 $38 Wow!  Grown atop the so-beautiful-it’s-unreal Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and crafted by the legendary Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate in Kerikeri, this … Read More

Richmond Plains Nelson Blanc de Noir 2016 $22.99

21 April 2017By Yvonne

When it comes to producing New Zealand’s first certified organic AND biodynamic pinot noir – the team at Richmond Plains can claim that victory.  Here they’ve taken ripe, handpicked pinot noir fruit, crushed it and quickly whisked the red skins away – so the wine remains white.  The aromas are of stonefruits, soft cherry and … Read More

Millton Riverpoint Gisborne Viognier 2015 $26

21 April 2017By Yvonne

Here’s a lovely mandarin-massaged viognier from the sun-soaked East Coast that you can really wrap your chops around.  Perfect to serve with salty, savoury dishes, this organic, biodynamically-grown wine oozes citrus oil, apricot kernel, grapefruit zest and reveals a clean, succulent mouthfeel and a ribbon-like mouthfeel. Sip with: paper thin slices of prosciutto www.millton.co.nz

Kalex Bendigo Terrace Dry Riesling 2014 $32

21 April 2017By Yvonne

Wow! Lime alert! This southern star smashes through the palate with green apple and quartz-powder, mineral-driven mouthfeel that lingers long and will send your saliva glands into overload. The citrus intensity is one thing, but the honeysuckle and hints of biscuit really add to the complexity of this wine in the mouth. It’s a clean, … Read More

Canvas column week commencing 12th November, 2016

21 April 2017By Yvonne

How to turn your life into a Spring-fest in two seconds flat?  Just twist the cap on any one of these wow-inducing white wines.  Easy. Kalex Bendigo Terrace Dry Riesling 2014 $32 Wow! Lime alert! This southern star smashes through the palate with green apple and quartz-powder, mineral-driven mouthfeel that lingers long and will send … Read More