Immediately on the nose here’s a classic, juicy, meaty and spice-hefty wine that boasts bucketloads of bright berries and cocoa characters in the mouth as well. For a vibrant, elegant, substantial shiraz that also leaves fine, chewy tannins on the finish – here’s your winner. Sip with: slow-cooked beef cheeks www.caros.co.nz
Author: Yvonne
Brightwater Lord Rutherford Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $30
Whenever Brightwater release a ‘Lord Rutherford’ you know it’s something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines through each season, while winemaker Tom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and into this bottle. With its smoked passionfruit, soft herbs, citrus and marzipan notes, this is Sauvignon but not as we know it. Sip … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 27th August, 2016
The Beatles sang All You Need Is Love. I’d argue a glass of wine wouldn’t hurt… Brightwater Lord Rutherford Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $30 Whenever Brightwater release a ‘Lord Rutherford’ you know it’s something pretty special. Viticulturist Dale Springer nurtures the vines through each season, while winemakerTom Southgate shepherds the fruit through the winery and … Read More
Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $65
The fruit that goes into Pahi comes from 30 year old vines growing on the tiny ‘McReanor’ block on Princess Street in Martinborough. Maturity is key with pinot noir, and under the wizard-like guidance of Larry McKenna (or McPinot to his mates) the wine bursts with mixed spice, rhubarb, black tea, cocoa and sandalwood notes. … Read More
Sileni Exceptional Vintage Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2013 $70
Hawke’s Bay could easily prove itself a powerhouse pinot region if wines like this become the norm. The silty clay and gravel soils of their vineyards have produced an intensely concentrated, pot-pourri scented pinot that unleashes a tsunami of red fruits, earthy spices, tea and rosehip flavours. Seductive and saucy. Sip with: lamb steaks and … Read More
Mt Difficulty Inspiration Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013 $95
Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created by Rio Olympic team sponsor Mt Difficulty. Sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in Bannockburn, it’s a sublime marriage of cherries, cocoa-dusted raspberries, ribbon-like tannins, soft spices and succulence on the finish. It’s outstanding. Sip with: roast duck … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 3rd September, 2016
Pinot Noir nirvana will no doubt be achieved by those attending Pinot Palooza today at Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queens’ Wharf. The rest of us can achieve enlightenment via these three… Mt Difficulty Inspiration Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013 $95 Hang on to those medal-winning memories by treating yourself to this limited edition, one-off pinot created … Read More
Heartland Directors Cut Langhorne Creek Shiraz 2013 $45 ★★★★
With surnames like Tillbrook, Collett and Glaetzer behind this wine, you know it’s been made by talented wee things. Slick and glossy in the glass and unveiling wafts of tobacco, pepper, dark berries and that smell of ancient Drizabone coats hanging in the woodshed – it’s completely unputdownable (that’s a technical term). Fresh spices merge … Read More
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $33 ★★★★
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
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