So you thought Hawke’s Bay and Waiheke had Syrah all sewn up? Well here are three little lovelies from less well-known zones… 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 … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Richmond Plains Nelson Blanc de Noir 2016 $22.99
When it comes to producing New Zealand’s first certified organic AND biodynamic pinot noir – the team at Richmond Plains can claim that victory. Here they’ve taken ripe, handpicked pinot noir fruit, crushed it and quickly whisked the red skins away – so the wine remains white. The aromas are of stonefruits, soft cherry and … Read More
Millton Riverpoint Gisborne Viognier 2015 $26
Here’s a lovely mandarin-massaged viognier from the sun-soaked East Coast that you can really wrap your chops around. Perfect to serve with salty, savoury dishes, this organic, biodynamically-grown wine oozes citrus oil, apricot kernel, grapefruit zest and reveals a clean, succulent mouthfeel and a ribbon-like mouthfeel. Sip with: paper thin slices of prosciutto www.millton.co.nz
Kalex Bendigo Terrace Dry Riesling 2014 $32
Wow! Lime alert! This southern star smashes through the palate with green apple and quartz-powder, mineral-driven mouthfeel that lingers long and will send your saliva glands into overload. The citrus intensity is one thing, but the honeysuckle and hints of biscuit really add to the complexity of this wine in the mouth. It’s a clean, … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 12th November, 2016
How to turn your life into a Spring-fest in two seconds flat? Just twist the cap on any one of these wow-inducing white wines. Easy. Kalex Bendigo Terrace Dry Riesling 2014 $32 Wow! Lime alert! This southern star smashes through the palate with green apple and quartz-powder, mineral-driven mouthfeel that lingers long and will send … Read More
Champalou Vouvray 2014 $31
It’s the aroma of subtle spices, rain drops on hot stones and creamy stonefruit which seduces you from the get go. Yet don’t be lulled into thinking it’s going to be sweet because there’s a solid seam of acidity which slices across the palate like a samurai sword. The freshness and purity on show in … Read More
La Croix de Maunay Vouvray 2014 $22.50
There’s a lovely slap of tangy, natural sweetness in this apple-packed sensation. Summer flowers, ripe nectarine and homemade lemonade notes leap from the glass and it’s practically impossible to put down once you’ve had that first sip. Tropical, clean, fruit-saturated and stunning. Sip with: blue cheese and herb soufflé www.mvauron.co.nz
Jovly Vouvray 2015 $22.50
I LOVE the aroma of baked granny smith apples, grilled peaches, hints of cinnamon, honeysuckle and a twang of pineapple. All of which instantly osmose onto the palate and leave a juicy, fresh, almost exfoliating texture on the finish. Generous, succulent and intensely satisfying. Sip with: twice cooked, five spice pork belly www.mvauron.co.nz
Canvas column week commencing 19th November, 2016
Tucked away in the Touraine district of France’s Loire Valley is the 2,000-hectare Vouvray appellation. Pronounced ‘Voo-Vray’, it’s the spiritual home of chenin blanc, one of the greatest, most food-friendly white wines around… Jovly Vouvray 2015 $22.50 I LOVE the aroma of baked granny smith apples, grilled peaches, hints of cinnamon, honeysuckle and a twang of pineapple. … Read More
Meyer-Näkel Illusion Blanc de Noir AHR 2015 $49
I LOVE this wine!! A wine I’d never heard of until this month is now one of my favourite things in the world. Located in the Ahr Valley, one of Germany’s oldest, northernmost and smallest wine regions, Näkel are pinot specialists growing on a tiny 18ha site on steep, south-facing slopes of greywacke and weathered … Read More