Can Kate Radburnd and her crack-team of winemakers do no wrong? This Gimblett Gravels pioneer producer has syrah expertly sewn up, crafting an ultra-bright, intensely aromatic example, which oozes fruitwood smoke, cracked pepper, rose and violet notes alongside an underlying earthy character on the nose. Flavour-wise it boasts juicy dark fruit, vanilla and cocoa, tannins … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Middle Earth Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $24 ★★★½
Ryan O’Connell did a very clever-cookie thing naming his wines after the Tolkien-inspired locale because now they’re a firm favourite with hobbit fans. The 50-year-old family dairy farm was converted to grape growing some years back and the O’Connells were contract growers for big brands until deciding to hold the best fruit and have a … Read More
Wine column week commencing 18th June, 2016
As the large splat of rosé hit the front of my jumper and dripped down onto my knees I could feel eyes on me and I could feel my face pinking up too. We were filming for my wine series Thirsty Work, launching into one of those scenes where I plonk myself (if you’ll excuse … Read More
Sacred Hill Orange Label Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2015 $19 ★★★½
It might be fresh off the block but as far as rockin good red blends go, clearly 2015’s got talent! Already this wine is super-sippable, with smoke, spice and dark fruits on the nose which lead to a full-bodied, chocolate, plum and peppery palate. One more year in the bottle will do wonders for this … Read More
Kalex Single Vineyard Pisa Terrace Riesling 2014 $32 ★★★★
This snappy-dry wine has a lovely, briny, oyster shell aroma that merges with beeswax, pure white peach and baked apple characters. The acidity is bracing, slicing, and really accentuates the intense citrus and honeysuckle flavours. The texture on the finish is powdery and lingers long after that first sip. www.kalexwines.com
Omaka Springs Estate ‘Vixen’ Marlborough Syrah 2013 $40 ★★★★
Ian Marchant is the winemaker responsible for shepherding this sensational syrah into the bottle from its home in Marlborough’s southern valleys. With its deeply sexy, magenta-purple hue, aromas of vanilla, violets, damson plum and dusty leather followed by a succulent, meaty, yet fresh and vibrantly fruity mouthfeel. Named after OSE’s owner Geoff Jensen’s ‘Sea Vixen’ … Read More
Whitehaven ‘Greg’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $26.99 ★★★★
You don’t just scoop a gold medal at the Sydney Top 100 Wine Competition for no reason. You’ve got to me a wine with serious chops. Created in tribute to Whitehaven’s founder Greg White, this has all the classic Awatere Valley notes of soft summer flowers, tangy passionfruit, crushed nettles and elderflower. Crisp, crunchy and … Read More
Tuatara Tiramisu Oatmeal Stout 500ml 7% $9.99
Just when you thought you’d rustled up enough discipline to sprint through winter without being distracted by any more delicious craft beer, Tuatara go and release their most ridiculously indulgent brew EVER. The Tiramisu 500ml 7% $9.99 is an evil genius blend of creamy oatmeal stout infused with Mojo Coffee’s La Jacoba beans, Wellington Chocolate … Read More
Wine column week commencing June 25th, 2016
Trademark Issues… The other day I tasted a wine that made me rock back in my seat, punch my fists in the air and yell YUSS!!! It was a chardonnay crafted by Rod McDonald, brand new. It’s called ‘Trademark’ and as soon as I had my first sip, I wanted to protect it. I think … Read More
The Winemakers Wife Waipara Riesling 2015 $22 ★★★★½
Created by the McGeorge brothers, this scored a gold medal at the recent Canterbury Wine Awards where all the top wines are awarded according to how well they pair with food – so this is a cracker. Definitely on the juicy, tropical end of the spectrum, with a seam of lipsmacking lime running through the … Read More