Karl Heinz Johner makes wine in opposite hemispheres, with family estates in Baden, (in Germany’s Kaiserstuhl region) AND in Martinborough’s Gladstone sub-region. Riesling is a hero grape for him and he loves the crunchy green acidity, pear notes, baked apple, lime zest and honey characters that Martinborough grapes give so much, he’s decided to spend … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Greenhough Apple Valley Nelson Riesling 2016 $20
Every year I marvel at the amount of intense granny smith and jazz-apple crispness and concentrated, spritzy, lime-laden sweetness that they manage to cram into this wine. Sourced from a tiny, north-facing vineyard on Apple Valley Road (cutest road name ever) overlooking the Moutere estuary, it’s terrifically tangy, taut and ultra-refreshing. It hits that perfect … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 14th Jan, 2017
Riesling is like the video for that Katy Perry song “Hot N Cold”. While one bottle stands demure and sweet at the church, the other’s in her wedding dress, smashing your car to pieces. It’s a beautifully bi-polar variety… Greenhough Apple Valley Nelson Riesling 2016 $20 Every year I marvel at the amount of intense … Read More
Ocone Piedrosso del Sannio Plutone 2015 $22
Plutone is the name of the grape grown by the good people at Ocone for this wine from the Campagnia region of Italy. It’s the first time I’ve tasted it and I’m loving the fresh, spicy, slap in the face florals of this spunky red. Tangy, lush and leafy, it’s got huge vibrancy and life … Read More
Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $45
Don’t fret if you’re staring at this wine thinking it’s a little less glossy than others. Be happy because winemakers Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer, haven’t fined or filtered it, opting instead to keep the wine in its pure authentic state. A state of black tea, cherry and mixed spice intensity. The palate is tightrope … Read More
Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Malbec 2013 $31
I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this little bit of magic from Mendoza, Argentina. It’s deliciously balanced and juicy and I love the layers of liquorice, wild pork and pepper and I also just love love love the label! … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 4th February, 2017
Argentina, Italy and our own Central Otago all feature on the winners podium this weekend, let’s all run over and take selfies with them… Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Malbec 2013 $31 I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this … Read More
Sticks Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $29
Here’s an ultra-fresh, leafy cabernet that’s loaded with blackberry, boysenberry and ribsticking raspberry notes. The acidity is gentle, yet adds to the powdery grip of the tannins around your back teeth. There’s even a smidge of roast beetroot and cocoa powder on the finish also. Sip with: venison burgers For local stockists email daberhart@redwhitecellar.co.nz
Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $35
Crafted by the talented team at Osawa Wines comes this berry-focused, plum-packed and velvety textured red. I love the red fruit, pepper and dried herb layers that are stitched together with solid acidity and sinewy tannins. Sip with: truffled beef tournedos www.osawawines.co.nz
Esk Valley The Hillside Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $69
Esk Valley’s ‘The Terraces’ is a magical blend of fruit grown in a tiny, 28 year old terraced vineyard overlooking the winery. Occasionally there are stunning parcels of wine which don’t make it into the final blend and winemaker Gordon Russell has decided to create this, a sister blend called Hillside. Rich, powerful and erupting … Read More