The team at Te Mania appear to be unstoppable when it comes to producing “o” for organic and “aw” for “awesome” wines year after year. It’s the combination of soil, sunlight and sheer talent that produces juicy, stonefruit-packed, creamy, toasty chardonnay like this. Vibrant, tangy and tropical – it’s delicious. Trust me. www.temaniawines.co.nz
Author: Yvonne
Blank Canvas Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2013 $28 ★★★★
Grüner Veltliner (grooner velt-leener) is the signature white wine of Austria, and it’s a grape that produces crisp, crunchy, dry white wines that burst with delicate florals, white peach and green apple characters. This bony, chalky-textured newby from Marlborough has added layers of lemon and crushed oyster shell in its mix. Lovely stuff. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Johner Estate Moonlight Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014 $26 ★★★½
Despite the slightly odd label (nipple spikes anyone?) the wine itself is a super-sippable, fruit-soaked, spicy pinot that’ll definitely be a conversation-starter at your next dinner party. Berries, cherries and hints of cocoa, alongside a soft, velvety finish make this a dangerously drinkable pinot that rocks with roast lamb. www.johner-estate.com
Wine column week commencing August 6th, 2016
People ask me all the time “Yvonne, what’s your favourite wine?” To which I say, with a little shrug “Oh come on now – . That’s like asking me to choose between my children” and then we all have a bit of a c hortle, a chuckle. Then we’ll sigh and scratch at something on … Read More
Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Gris 2016 $24.50 ★★★★
Certified vegan-friendly, this gorgeous little gris is 100% sourced from Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach’s ‘Home Block’ vineyard, and comprises of ‘Mission’, ‘Larcomb’ and ‘KWV’ clones (how’s that for techie info) Gris fans will love the ripe, juicy peach and pear characters, classic, clean nashi notes and its rich, textural finish. Sip with Pad Thai. Yum! … Read More
Ataahua Waipara Gewurztraminer 2014 $26 ★★★★
Just the most gorgeous aromas of lemon sorbet, musky ginger, spun-sugar and turkish delight assail the nostrils as soon as the cap comes off a bottle of this baby. On the palate it’s full, rich, deliciously dry and complex (which is SUCH a good thing for gewurztraminer). Plus there’s chai spices and refreshing acidity on … Read More
Fairmont Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $15 ★★★½
John McNab grows grapes on Martinborough’s Gladstone Terraces. Grapes which produce softly textured, clean, tropical, tangy sauvignon like this. If you prefer softer acidity and less of the cats-pee and gooseberry – then this is definitely for you. The cruchy white peach, lifted florals and juicy, lemony finish make it sing with seafood. www.fairmontestate.co.nz
Hihi Gisborne Albarino 2015 $22 ★★★★
Andy Nimmo is an unstoppable fan of Albarino, and his Gisborne-grown example is laden with bright florals, honeysuckle and crisp peachy flavours. It’s refreshing and juicy and there’s also a twang of fresh herb and white pepper in there too, which makes it a great wee wine for sipping with paella loaded with spicy chorizo. … Read More
Rock Ferry Trig Hill Central Otago Tempranillo 2015 $40 ★★★½
This is a tiny-volume, organically-grown tempranillo that’s traditionally at home on the sunbaked soils of Spain – yet Central Otago has also nurtured it very nicely. Aromas of cured meats, seasoned leather, hints of liquorice and dutch cocoa lead to a warm, fleshy palate and a long, spicy finish. It’s a complex, wooly wine that’ll … Read More
Wine column week commencing August 13th, 2016
SPANISH DRINKSQUISITION… There’s not much we don’t grow in New Zealand, except maybe pineapples, proper bananas and predators that will poison or maim you in seconds flat. Yet we have managed to grow into a lovely cultural crockpot, and in the last 20 years in particular, our vineyards have been helping foreigners put their roots … Read More