Back in the day there were set rules about pairing wine with food. For example, you never served red wine with white meat and you never served white wine with anything that used to have hooves. But those mantras harked back to a time when there simply wasn’t the smorgasbord of sensational wine now available … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Canvas Column Saturday 20 May 2017
Today’s column is written especially for A.D. Kirby of Papamoa, who took the time to write two letters to the editor of this newspaper detailing his dislike of my wine descriptors. I’ve taken his feedback on board, tweaked my style and really hope the following reviews are more to his liking… Obikwa Merlot Shiraz … Read More
Tony Bish Heartwood Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $35
The debut release this month from the chardonnay’s Commander in Chief is an exercise in pure balance and excess combined. My quest for excellent chardonnay is basically what gets me up in the morning, so the day after sipping this, I had a blissful, snorey, sleep-in. Fleshy, juicy, stonefruit notes combine with a whiff of … Read More
Murphy Goode California Chardonnay 2014 $25
Super-creamalicous on the nose and palate, this is classic California chardonnay from Santa Rosa that I’m sure will appeal to both mama’s and the papa’s and cool kids alike. Bursting with ultra-ripe peach, coconut, vanilla and layers of roasty-toasty almond, it’s also fresh, citrusy and a total trop-fest on the palate. Sip with: Baked, cornflake-coated … Read More
Seresin Son and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125
Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelized plums served in a bowl carved from oak. Seresin’s flagship pinot, the ‘purest expression’ they can make, is intense in the mouth, with high acidity and muscular, supple tannins. The length of flavour is persistent, brooding … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 6th May, 2017
In a week of being so busy I can’t feel my face, it’s heartening to know that tasty relief is at hand… Seresin Son and Moon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $125 Organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly, this gorgeous pinot noir smells like baking spices and sweet, dark cocoa dusted over caramelized plums served in a … Read More
Hunter’s Marlborough Riesling 2016 $18.90 (4.5 stars)
If you’re looking for a bouncy, vivacious riesling that zings with flavour, you’ve come to the right spot because this new release from Hunter’s is so incredibly clean, fresh and limey. With its snappy citrus and crushed shell notes, crunchy green apple and hints of honeysuckle, it’ll make any recipe featuring ginger, chilli, garlic and … Read More
Unison Gimblett Gravels Reserve Merlot 2012 $30 (4stars)
I used to work on a raspberry farm when I was in high school (loved it btw) and every time I sniff this wine it takes me back to those days of repeatedly sticking my face inside a leafy, fruit-scented canopy to harvest those plump, juicy berries. Fresh, spicy, with layers of plum-rubbed leather and … Read More
Sottano Reserva de Familia Malbec 2012 $43 (4 stars)
Dense inky, muscular and shows a strong core of dark boysenberry, blackcurrant leaf, charred capsicum, and sensational smoky, meaty layers. The texture of the tannins is chewy and deliciously drying, while a strong current of pepper and cocoa carry through to a long, persistent finish. Enjoy with blackened lamb shoulder and pomegranate glaze. For info … Read More
Cantine Riondo Castelforte Veneto Valpolicella Superiore 2013 $19 (3.5 stars)
The Valpolicella Blend is based on three indigenous red-wine grape varieties grown in the Veneto region in Italy’s northeast. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are the trio primarily involved in the Valpolicella DOC, Corvina plays the starring role in Valpolicella (up to 75 percent) and is regarded as the blend’s lynchpin. Known more for its acidity … Read More