This tiny, tinsel-tastic little vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley is one of the regions’ best kept secrets. Marguerite and her husband, winemaker Jean Charles van Hove, have quietly been crafting exceptional sauvignon blanc on their tiny 8ha vineyard since arriving from France in 1996. You’ll be forgiven for not having heard of them, they fly … Read More
Author: Yvonne
No.1 Family Estate Assemblé Methode Marlborough NV
Well jingle my jandals if this isn’t the very first bubbles released as ‘Methode Marlborough’. A 60:40 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay crafted by Daniel Le Brun, a Champagne-born champion of delicate, creamy, chalky citrus-laced loveliness. There’s a soft, almost cashew-like character in the mid-palate in this finely-tuned fizz and it’s seamlessly elegant. It’s … Read More
Wine column for week beginning Sat 10 Dec, 2016
Wine Matching for Christmas Feasting I’m a big believer in wine being a superb digestive aide; therefore it’s inconceivable that I’d be without a glass of something at dinner time whether I’m having fish and chips or feta-filled figs. Christmas is no exception. Problem is, there are so many different dishes and flavours going on, … Read More
Domaine Testut Rive Droit Chablis 2015 (4 stars)
The winery is pronounced ‘Test-Too’ and in ancient times the vineyard was tended by Cistercian monks. These days the 13ha site is run by the young and very dapper Cyril Testut (who calls their kid Cyril these days?). The instant hit of white nectarine and lemon on the nose alongside a sexy whiff of sea … Read More
Domaine Paul Buisse Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $29 (4 stars)
Grown in the heart of France’s Loire region, this is a typically soft, fleshy sauvignon that’s stitched together with basil, hints of baked green capsicum and lime. Naturally concentrated and juicy, with tongue-prickling textural loveliness and a long, freshly floral finish. It’s so unlike what we in New Zealand are used to with sauvignon blanc … Read More
Fickle Mistress Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 $25 (3.5 stars)
I’m really not a fan of frilly, femme-driven labels and packaging, but the wine inside more that makes up for it. Rich, cherry-laden and loaded with red berry and blossom notes, it’s full, generously proportioned and fun. She’s not necessarily that elegant, but she’ll definitely show you a good time. Widely available.
Wine column for week beginning Sat 17 December, 2016
The Magnificent Seven Recently I was fortunate to judge the Dish Magazine NZ Sparkling Wine panel for their Christmas Issue. It was just brilliant to find some absolute treasures amongst the top rated bunch that are world class, easy to find in wine shops and supermarkets, AND they’re also fantastically affordable. And that’s exactly what … Read More
Prunotto Fiulot Barbera D’Asti 2014 $23.99 (4 stars)
Made by Marchesi Antinori, this smooth, soft, pillowy red from Italy’s Piedmonte region is one of those easy reds that may even convert the most hardened ‘I only drink whites’ wine lover. Grown in calcerous marl soils of the Costamiole vineyard in the town of Agliano, the Barbera grapes ripen to create sweet, savoury berry … Read More
El Quintanal Tempranillo 2014 $19.95 (3.5 stars)
Packed to the cork with ripe red berries, comforting christmas cake spices, caramelised, truffle-like earthiness, hints of vanilla and even a squeak of liquorice manages to snuggle in there too. Here’s a deeply warming, comforting wine from Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, which works deliciously well with chicken and sweet capsicum stirfry. www.moorewilsons.co.nz
Dunleavy The Grafter Waiheke Island Syrah 2014 $45.90 (4.5 stars)
Brothers Paul, John and Mike Dunleavy are at the helm of the company alongside their father Terry Dunleavy MBE – this family have championed island syrah since the get-go. If there was a ‘Waiheke’s Got Talent’ contest, I’d DEFINITELY text in my vote for syrah. Aged for 12 months in smoky French oak, this syrah … Read More