Much darker than conventional rose bubbles due to the juice spending some extra time on its skins, this is an ultra-dry, bony-textured fizz that shows watermelon, raspberry leaf and mineral-rich peppery notes on the finish. Really unusual and powerfully structured, it’s an unusually strong, muscular methode – and one you should try. For stockists near … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Omaka Springs Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $18 ★★★★
This is a crisp, lipsmacking example with all the classic hallmarks of quince, nashi pear, spicy apple and musky, tropical tones that I certainly look for in good gris. Satisfying, super-sippable and just a really tasty wine that’s perfect for these chilly, autumn afternoons. www.omaka.co.nz
Sacred Hill Halo Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $27 ★★★★
From the first sip I was pretty much seduced – mainly because I knew that if I were disciplined enough to pop some of this away for another year or three, it’ll turn into something rather triumphant. Poached cherry, cocoa and pepper notes lead to a juicy, berry-driven wine with freshness and decent chew-factor on … Read More
Cambridge Road Martinborough Papillon Rosé 2015 $25 ★★★★½
Crafted from a blend of 52% pinot gris, 36% pinot noir and 12% chardonnay, this fast became a new favourite of mine. With just 2500 bottles being made, you’ll need to be in quick because winemaker Lance Redgwell and his wife Bridie are on to a total winner here. Produced using organic and biodynamic techniques, … Read More
Wine column week commencing 14 May, 2016
Cambridge Road Martinborough Papillon Rosé 2015 $25 ★★★★½ Crafted from a blend of 52% pinot gris, 36% pinot noir and 12% chardonnay, this fast became a new favourite of mine. With just 2500 bottles being made, you’ll need to be in quick because winemaker Lance Redgwell and his wife Bridie are on to a total … Read More
Amisfield Lowburn Terrace Central Otago Riesling 2014 $25 ★★★★★
This is an absolute cracker of a riesling. I’m loving the super-clean, super-citrusy, lime, lemon curd and Pacific Queen apple characters. At a positively demure 8.5% alcohol, it certainly wont send you sideways and there’s a hefty splash of mandarin and nectarine-like sweetness in the mid-palate to keep you buoyant. Winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert is … Read More
Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Chardonnay 2015 $19 ★★★½
Toast and roast peach characters on the nose lead to a biscuity, complex, dry style of chardonnay on the palate. There’s a squeak of grilled apricot and honey on the finish alongside a seam of clean acidity running it’s entire length. Fans of toasty, oaky chardonnays will enjoy this wine. Sip with creamy smoked chicken … Read More
Duca Di Castelmonte Diantha 2013 $22 ★★★★
Made from a blend of Malvasia and Grecanico, this delicious wine has the most alluring, musky-sweet, nashi pear and lemon blossom perfume and it’s so fresh and crisp and delicately fruity on the palate that it’s perfect for seafood dishes that feature a splash of chilli and spice. The shiny, new, state-of-the-art winery is located … Read More
Spade Oak Gisborne Rosé 2015 $18.50 ★★★½
Most rose styles in New Zealand are made from pinot noir or various combos of merlot, syrah and the like. However, Steve and Eileen Voysey at Spade Oak have chosen to go with saucy, Spanish tempranillo for theirs – and it works a treat. Dry, spicy and packed with red apple, raspberry, spiced watermelon, hints … Read More
Tohu Mugwi Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $25 ★★★½
Prepare to have your perceptions of sauvignon blanc altered immediately! With intense aromas of watercress, freshly-baled pea hay and smoked jalapenos, this is a seriously funky, complex style style that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Named in honour of Mugwi MacDonald, the late treasured Kaumatua of Maori-owned and operated Tohu Wines, it’s a wine crafted … Read More