100% grown in their Tuki Tuki vineyard which “used to be a complete fruit salad” according to winemaker Chris Scott. “But we’ve ripped out everything that’s not a top chardonnay clone and every single barrel selected for this wine is a separate hand pick and press”. Bursting with citrus complexity, seductive, smoky oak, juicy, elegantly … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Church Road TOM Syrah 2013 $200 ★★★★★
For this, the first ever release of a TOM syrah, 100% of the fruit was sourced from the Redstone vineyard inside the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District, New Zealand’s newest ‘official’ wine region. A couple of swirls in the glass reveals elegant white pepper, fresh blackberry, violet and vanilla alongside exceptionally buoyant layers of concentrated … Read More
Wine column week commencing July 30th, 2016
Who would have known that a touch of scandal was the catalyst for the inception of one of New Zealand’s oldest and best loved brands? According to Church Road’s winemaker Chris Scott, up until the mid 1890’s, company founder, Bartholemew Steinmetz used to be a priest. However a dalliance with a Taradale-based temptress led to … Read More
Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2015 $23 ★★★★
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
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