I’ve often said that when I die I want this wine piped into my veins instead of embalming fluid. I want to take it with me to the grave it’s that good. 2015 saw superb growing conditions in Hawke’s Bay, the third exceptional year in a row for this national treasure vineyard to shine. The … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Te Mata Estate Hawke’s Bay Coleraine 2015 $129
The March 1 release of Coleraine, New Zealand’s most famous red wine, marked its 35th anniversary. Designed to age not across years, but across generations, it’s an assemblage (‘assom-blarge’ if you’re struggling) of cabernet and merlot from Te Mata’s oldest vineyards in the Havelock North hills. Left for a minute or seven in the glass, … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 4th March, 2017
Yes it’s 2017, yet in wine land the big guns from 2015 are only just being got out. These three are at the top of the tree… Te Mata Estate Hawke’s Bay Coleraine 2015 $129 The March 1 release of Coleraine, New Zealand’s most famous red wine, marked its 35th anniversary. Designed to age … Read More
Haythornthwaite Ursula Martinborough Pinot Gris 2012 $25
Don’t freak out if when you pull the cork (Yes, you’ll need one of those cork-pully-outy things) and you see tiny crystals attached to it. These ‘wine diamonds’ are safe, natural and a sign of a wine made without fining or filtration. Named after Mark Haythornthwaite’s sister, (who adores dry white wines), here’s a richly … Read More
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2016 $24.95
Tim Preston and Paul Dawick are like the Batman and Robin, the Han Solo and Chewbacca, the Spongebob and Patrick (modern parent reference there) of winemaking duo’s, leaping into every wine adventure with gusto, and this gris is testament to that. Enjoy its aromas of poached quince, pear and apple followed by a deliciously dry, … Read More
Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 $23.95
Smelling this wine is like walking into an apple packhouse. Intoxicating waves of Golden Delicious, Gala and Rose assail the olfactories, and once they wash across the tastebuds, a ribbon of nashi, nectarine and white pepper wraps them all up and sends them south in a tsunami of dry, softly prickly acidity and powdery textural … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 11th March, 2017
Twenty years ago pinot gris wasn’t even a thing. Today it’s a national obsession. These three lean on the dry side of the fence… Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 $23.95 Smelling this wine is like walking into an apple packhouse. Intoxicating waves of Golden Delicious, Gala and Rose assail the olfactories, … Read More
O:Tu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17 ★★★★
Wow! If you’re partial to green, green and more greeny goodness in your sauvignon blanc, then this may be just the wheel-spinner you’re looking for. Scented with intense jalapeno, basil and blackcurrant leaf and tomato stalk notes, followed by a smash of passionfruit and lime. Great value, crisp and crunchy. www.winebox.co.nz
Matahiwi Estate Cuvee NV $22 ★★★★
In the past I haven’t been very welcoming of sparkling pinot gris. Nothing’s wowed me until now. Winemaker Jane Cooper and her team at Matahiwi have clearly cottoned on to something because this snazzy sparkler captures the lovely nashi, quince and musky characters pinot gris is famous for, but in a lean, subtle way. There’s … Read More
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Gisborne Chardonnay 2014 $75 ★★★★★
This is one of those wines that makes me want to do a little dance as soon as I sniff it. It’s just a joy to drink if you get my drift. It’s like (and believe me I’m seriously sober writing this) the wine is giving you a little oral high-five with every sip. Golden … Read More