The fact that this is just $15 a bottle, absolutely blows my mind. Cherry, black tea and attractive spices, alongside red fruits, raspberry and soft plummy characters make this an incredibly drinkable, excitingly affordable pinot noir. A recent makeover of the label has given this extra table-appeal. It looks like money. It tastes like money. … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Gunn Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17.99
Intensely herbaceous on the nose with hints of jalapeno, basil and ripe passionfruit, this is a banging, boldly aromatic wine that’s gently juicy on the palate with nice acidity and length. It’s a superb wine that (luckily for us) is available in supermarkets around the country. If you’re a fan of crunchy-crisp sauvignon that hits … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 21st May, 2016
Let’s say you’ve got $25 max to spend. But you really want a couple of bucks left over to splash on a packet of pork crackling to nibble on with your glass of wine. Fret not. Any of these wines will easily amplify your wallet power… Gunn Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17.99 Intensely herbaceous … Read More
Mills Reef Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 $18
The wine has that pinky-gold colour which indicates the juice has spent a touch of time in contact with its skins before the ferment. This not only gives it a spash of colour, it also adds an extra layer of texture to its dry, nashi, quince and apple pie flavours. Sip with: The oldest, most … Read More
Hãhã Brut Cuvee NV $22
Brand new on the market, this fresh and fashionable fizz has lovely lemon-shortbread, macadamia nut and peach brioche characters, alongside a long, lean and ultra-crunchy finish. Sip with: Salmon blinis www.advintage.co.nz
Churton ‘Best End’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $47
Visit Churton, in winter and you’re likely to spend a lot of time up on a hill looking at “poo pits” and sniffing compost. The winter solstice is when owners Mandy and Sam Weaver choose to release their wines. “In an agricultural sense it’s when one year ends and another begins” explains Sam. “The earth … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 4th June, 2016
Here’s the thing Chandler Bing. When it comes to wine, it’s eyepopping how a small increase in how much you spend, even just an extra $5 a bottle, will open up a whole new level of quality and all round wow. Churton ‘Best End’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $47 Visit Churton, in winter and … Read More
Beach House Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Malbec 2014 $25
2014 was a slightly cooler in the ‘Gravels than 2013, and that’s good for blended reds like this. They’re more likely to retain elegance, freshness and that all-important fragrance-factor. There’s a lift of dried herb, blackberry and classic sweet tobacco, cocoa and violet notes into the warming, meaty mouthfeel. Sip with: smoked venison salami www.beachhouse.co.nz
Maude Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $36
If you’re a sucker for colour saturation then this will have you ogling. Ultra-bright and boasting incredibly pure aromas of rosehip tea, fresh cherry and raspberry leaf, it’s a floral and fabulous pinot. Super-succulent and plumped up with plums, dried herbs and complex, spicy layers, this is a Central Otago stunner. Sip with: Duck a-la-anything … Read More
Saint Clair ‘Dawn’ Methode Traditionelle 2012 $49
Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its namesake. Vibrant, slightly nutty and packed with … Read More