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
Author: Yvonne
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
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC ‘Spelt’ 2011 $44.50
This is a super-sexy Italian montepulciano grown in La Valentina’s coastal vineyard in Spoltore in the province of Pescara. It’s dense and saturated with dark fruit, cocoa, black guava and dusty, leathery flavours, chewy, yet supple stretchy tannins and a fresh, juiciness on the finish. It’s an exciting, seductive wine. Drink with: Italian meatloaf in … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 17th October, 2016
Push the boat out and make this a week of wines from foreign climes… La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC ‘Spelt’ 2011 $44.50 This is a super-sexy Italian montepulciano grown in La Valentina’s coastal vineyard in Spoltore in the province of Pescara. It’s dense and saturated with dark fruit, cocoa, black guava and dusty, leathery flavours, … Read More
Aurum Central Otago Blanc de Blancs 2008 $45
Joan and Tony Lawrence planted their first Pisa Flats vineyard in 1997, and over the coming couple of years, son Brook and daughter-in-law Lucie took over the winemaking side of the story and things have rocketed ahead ever since. This ‘solely chardonnay’ sparkling wine has those classic, clean, lean, almond meal and lemon shortbread flavours … Read More
Goldie Reserve Waiheke Viognier 2015 $42
If you’ve never tasted viognier before, or whether you’re a seasoned pro, here’s a wine that you’ve got to try. The tricky thing about growing viognier is the acidity can drop and become soapy – but that’s where Waiheke Island has an edge. Constantly fanned by the seabreezes, the grapes don’t get a chance to … Read More
Akitu Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $40
Some wines literally grip you around the shoulders and shake you into the realisation that yes; this is what utterly excellent pinot noir tastes like. This bottle does exactly that. I was wowed from the second I poured into the glass by its seductive sandalwood and spice aromas, musky wild cherry, berry and rosehip notes. It’s … Read More