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
Author: Yvonne
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
Mt Difficulty Inspiration Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013 $95
Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created by Rio Olympic team sponsor Mt Difficulty. Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in Bannockburn, it’s a sublime marriage of cherries, cocoa-dusted raspberries, ribbon-like tannins, soft spices and succulence on the finish. It’s outstanding. Sip with: roast duck … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 3rd September, 2016
Pinot Noir nirvana will no doubt be achieved by those attending Pinot Palooza today at Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queens’ Wharf. The rest of us can achieve enlightenment via these three… Mt Difficulty Inspiration Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013 $95 Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created … Read More
Heartland Directors Cut Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2013 $45 ★★★★
With surnames like Tillbrook, Collett and Glaetzer behind this wine, you know it’s been made by talented wee things. Slick and glossy in the glass and unveiling wafts of tobacco, pepper, dark berries and that smell of ancient Drizabone coats hanging in the woodshed – it’s completely unputdownable (that’s a technical term). Fresh spices merge … Read More
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $33 ★★★★
If there’s one thing Jules Taylor knows how to do (other than being superwoman) it’s how to craft solid, character-packed pinot noir. Here’s a highly refined, savoury-edged example, with a core of cherry and black doris plum, vanilla and baking spices. Slippery, succulent and with a soft, smoky finish, it’s sexy. Sip with: lamb tagine … Read More
Vidal Legacy Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $65 ★★★★★
Let’s just get it out there. I was well and truly wowed from the first sip. Just 12 barrels were made of this berry and spice-soaked cabernet crafted by Hugh Crichton and his team. Stitched together with smoke, caramelised oak and dried thyme, the palate is also awash with juicy, plush and supremely elegant layers … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 10th September, 2016
Do the Real Housewives of Auckland make you want to perform seppuku on yourself? Don’t fret, just sip and forget… Vidal Legacy Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $65 ★★★★★ Let’s just get it out there. I was well and truly wowed from the first sip. Just 12 barrels were made of this berry and spice-soaked … Read More
Longview The Boat Shed Nebbiolo Rosato 2015 $22
How gorgeous is this wine? Grab a seat, getchaself comfy and let me tell you all about it. Nebbiolo made in a rosé style isn’t something you see here in NZ every day, but this trophy winning little cracker from Adelaide Hills erupts with fresh red berries, ripe tropical and citrus fruit and masses of … Read More
Jacqueson Bouzeron “Les Cordères” 2014 $33
Harvested from a parcel of aligote grapes first planted in 1937. This example has a curiously comforting aroma of apple crumble, nougat complexity, oatcakes and lemon combined with peach stone, white pepper and dry, crunchy, green-apple acidity in the mouth. Aligote is not a variety you see much of in New Zealand so get amongst … Read More