As soon as September 1st hit, a friend on Facebook popped a post at 5am saying “Spring is Sprung. Frost protection windmills are spinning”. Crumbs! Where has the year gone? Just days before, Simon Nunn’s from Coopers Creek out in West Auckland, had posted a photo of buds bursting on their pinot gris vines. Is … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Giesen The Brothers Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $35 ★★★★½
I had no idea that Giesen even did merlot until just recently when I came across this plump, character-packed example. Fresh and plummy, and boasting layers of concentrated cherry, lifted spices, pepper and cocoa – it’s a smooth, yet statuesque sip indeed. www.giesen.co.nz
Ruby Bay Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24 ★★★½
I love that Nelson sauvignon blanc has its own distinct character, its so floral and flush with ripe nectarine, lemon and basil flavours. Located just 5 mins from the Mapua Wharf in the Upper Moutere overlooking Tasman Bay, Ruby Bay’s vines thrive under some serious sunshine hours. Winemaker John Jackson has crafted a slick, snappy … Read More
Soho White Collection Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 $20 ★★★★
How pretty is this wine! I love the soft, baby pink hue and the gorgeous marshmallow, juicy raspberry and plum characters which burst from the bottle. Zesty-fresh, dry and packed with personality and flavour – it’s got classic prawn cocktail written all over it. www.sohowine.com
Johner Estate Blanc de Noir 2012 $36 ★★★★
Pale apricot colour and boasting beautiful, pin-prick beads of bubbles and a rather gorgeous aroma of ripe stonefruit, berry brioche and almonds, this characterful methode is luscious and tangy but has an elegant, stylish edge. www.johner-estate.com
Ceres Fifth Bridge Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $30 ★★★★
Ceres (seer-ez) is the Roman goddess of Agriculture, and it’s a name which reflects the earth-wise direction of James, Matt and Robin Dicey and their focus on true sustainability. It’s a restrained, elegant style showing layers f leather, dried herbs, cured meats, hints of smoke and juicy, wild cherries on the finish. www.cereswines.co.nz
Wine column for week beginning Sept 10, 2016
How is it that we’re into the middle of September already? Let’s segway into the sunny side of the year with some tips to bring out the best from your beverages. About to launch into a full-on curry with 3 chillies next to it on the menu? Then be warned – step AWAY from … Read More
Domain Road The Water Race Central Otago Dry Riesling 2014 $25 (4.5 star)
Great dry riesling should have an immediate flinty, limey, green apple impact on the nose and a tidal wave of crunchy, zesty acidity and lemony citrus elements. Graeme and Gillian Crosbie also produce award winning sauvignon blanc and pinot noir – but it’s this riesling that makes me wring my hands with glee every time … Read More
Jasci & Marchesani Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Biologico 2014 $20 ★★★★
For the last 30 years this estate has been run organically and while this wine is predominantly montepulciano, there could be a sneaky 15% sangiovese in there too. I love how this wine has that sweet, sweaty smell of just-galloped horses, saddle leather and spice. Underneath that initial wave of savoury is some seriously fresh … Read More
Byrne Puketotara Northland Chardonnay 2015 $29 ★★★★
Right about now if you’re a chardonnay fan, you’ll be all about talent-spotting. Who are the ones to watch? Well, Ben Byrne up in the Bay of Islands is definitely a bit of a wunderkind when it comes to crafting chardonnays brimming with buttered crumpet, spicy roast peach and caramelised oak characters. He’s captured the … Read More