How pretty is this wine! The double whammy of gorgeous crimson colour and a waft of strawberries and cream gives this wine some serious edge. 97% merlot and a splash of 3% pinot noir from Gisborne on the sunsoaked East Coast, creates a multi-sensory experience involving buckets of plum, cherry, watermelon and tangy tamarillo. The … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 $23
A super-pretty pinot noir-based rose from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, plum and fresh herb notes, give this wine lift alongside hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It has nice density and presence on the palate and a twang of strawberry on the finish. It’s a food-friendly style that’s focused and rather fabulous. Sip … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 1st October, 2016
Someone once bade me farewell by saying “kisses on all ya pink parts” which I felt overstepped the mannerly mark. These pink drinks however, are more than decent… Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016 $23 A super-pretty pinot noir-based rose from Central Otago with creaming soda aromatics, plum and fresh herb notes, give this wine … Read More
Jérôme Quiot Vacqueyras 2014 $33
A blend of syrah, grenache and mourvèdre from France’s Rhone region, produced by the Quiot family who’ve been making wine since 1748. 1748! This new puppy has a lovely lift of fresh raspberries and redcurrant, cracked pepper and rosehip tea on the nose, followed by fresh berryfruit on the palate and a spicy kick on … Read More
Clearview Estate Cape Kidnappers Syrah 2015 $27
Woah Nelly!! How’s about the whoomph of clove, cinnamon, currants and cocoa on the nose? It’s an aromatic colossus, and one I couldn’t stop sniffing. But once you do you’ll note that it’s incredibly juicy and fleshy for a young wine. I love the onslaught of blackcurrant, peppercorn and graphite goodness in this coastal-grown syrah. … Read More
Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19
Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak. Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character – it’s one of those red wines that’ll have you reaching for your slippers, robe and pipe even if it is … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 15th October, 2016
Syrah is a rising star, so get your astro-awareness on by tasting a smorgasbord of styles… Earthworks Barossa Shiraz 2015 $19 Sniffing this wine is like having someone slock you ‘round the face with a cocoa-dusted stocking stuffed with ripe blackcurrants, fresh green herbs, roasted spices and smoky oak. Concentrated, refreshing and packed with character … Read More
Moutere Hills Single Vineyard Nelson Syrah 2015 $35
Lean and lifted, green peppercorn, violets, plush red berryfruits and truckloads of spice burst out of the glass and merge with fresh, elegant plum and cocoa characters and it leaves slippery, succulent, mouthwatering finish. Sip with: Peppery duck liver pate www.mouterehills.co.nz
Johner Gladstone Syrah 2013 $50
Reds-wise, people tend to think the Wairarapa is pinot noir country, but sensational syrah is their secret little talent. Earthy, gamey aromatic layers of smoke, old leather, cocoa and pepper entice the nose and osmose into the palate leaving a juicy, succulent and seriously savoury impression. Sip with: Strong, crumbly aged cheddar www.johner-estate.com
The Landing Bay of Islands Syrah 2013 $38
Wow! Grown atop the so-beautiful-it’s-unreal Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands and crafted by the legendary Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate in Kerikeri, this syrah has alluring aromas of vanilla-spiced plum and lush, dark berryfruits, followed by a velvety-smooth, densely concentrated mouthfeel and finish. Sip with: slivers of venison salami www.thelandingvineyard.com