Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021 $39 2021 was a sensational year for Gimblett Gravels syrah due to it being cool, even and dry. Remember dry summers? Ah the memories. Each sniff erupts with classic florals and defined blueberry and black pepper notes which provide a ladder climbing down to a spice-saturated palate edged with … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019 $65 I love the way this wine smells of popcorn, bacon, grilled grapefruit and roasted peaches drizzled in vanilla and butterscotch sauce. It’s so fresh, energetic and vibrantly nutty. A Virtuoso chardonnay is only attempted in exceptional years, from a selection of Mat Donaldson’s best barrels produced from fruit grown … Read More
Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 & 2019
It was a real treat to taste a mini-vertical of a pinot noir that I’ve been a fan of for many years. Phil Handford from Grasshopper Rock sent me a bottle each of his 2013 and 2019 for comparison (and fun) and it was super interesting seeing how an extra six years vine age, tiny … Read More
Loss, Learning and Looking Ahead – A post-cyclone wine capital
Loss, Learning and Looking Ahead by Yvonne LorkinMay 16, 2023 Photo: Florence Charvin [As published in May/June BayBuzz magazine.] It’s a generalisation, but even before Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’s Bay, things out in the vineyards weren’t fabulous. The 2022 harvest was hobbled by Spring frosts and unsettled weather through flowering and fruit set, followed by a … Read More
Saved by the Decibel
Saved by the Decibel by Yvonne LorkinMarch 31, 2023 Daniel Brennan. Photo: Florence Charvin [As published in March/April BayBuzz magazine.] Daniel Brennan was born in New York and grew up in a part of Philadelphia known as Southern New Jersey, or as the locals say, South Jersey. He’d been living in the city, right near the … Read More
Hawke’s Bay is now a World Wine Capital!
Hawke’s Bay joins ranks of elite world wine regions From left: Penelope Radburnd, Lauren Swift, Barry Riwai, Kate Radburnd, Julian Grounds, Alex Hendry. Photo: Brett Phibbs / PhibbsVisuals Hawke’s Bay has been named a Great Wine Capital of the world, a global network of the world’s 12 greatest wine regions, including Bordeaux, Bilbao and Napa … Read More
Elephant Hill Stone Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019
Elephant Hill Stone Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 $60 Just 110 cases were produced of this superb syrah grown in the deep, stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels district (hence the ‘stone’ title) from a vintage that’s fast becoming known as one of the 21st-century greats in Hawke’s Bay. Seductive aromas of peppercorn, violets, red apple … Read More
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022 $38 A refreshingly spritzy style of rosé that roars with watermelon, crabapple and succulent salinity. Crunchy-crisp and mineral-drenched, it’s laced with soft herb and rhubarb notes and has a long, zesty finish. Nice work from one of Wairarapa’s smallest wineries. (Extra for Experts) Look out for some interesting new … Read More
Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade 2022 Gin $75
Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade 2022 Gin $75 Every year Kate and David, the husband and wife duo behind one of the world’s most exciting gin distilleries, craft a gin in homage to the annual Hastings Blossom Parade, a celebration of Spring and the excitement of a new fruit harvest for the orchard-centric region. Organic botanicals … Read More
Hastings Distillers Autumn Gin 2023
Hastings Distillers Autumn Gin 2023 40% 500ml $85 Just 450 bottles were created of this intensely perfumed and totally unique, limited edition gin from one of our favourite artisanal distillers. Crafted using nine organic botanicals, I love the poached quince, fresh juniper and soft tangelo and tarragon notes that form a warming, soothing, sweetly luscious … Read More