Peter Robertson has owned Brookfields since the 1970’s so he’s seen a thing or two in the evolution of chardonnay. He’s also decided that good, old fashioned creamy, tropical and citrus fruit is what makes it magical. Taking its name from the Bergman roses which sit at the end of every row, this chardonnay is … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Wine column for week beginning 15 Oct, 2016
Increasing numbers of wineries around New Zealand are becoming Certified Sustainable operations. Essentially, complying with certification means they’ve adopted holistic programmes to manage their vineyard and winery practices in order to protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing the best wines they possibly can. But there’s always one kid that likes to build the … Read More
De La Terre Hawke’s Bay Barbera 2014 $43 ★★★★½
‘De La Terre’ means ‘of the earth’, which fits as they have New Zealand’s only earth brick winery building up on the Taihape Road. ‘They’ are Tony and Kaye Prichard, who’ve been working on their own label following Tony’s departure from Church Road a little over a decade ago. Barbera is super-rare and the Prichard’s … Read More
Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ★★★★
Softer and much creamier than most squint-inducing Marlborough sauvignon blancs, this wine has a hint of toast and watercress on the nose, marzipan and just a sneaky squeak of lemongrass, lime zest and dried herbs. It’s Marlborough sauvignon but with an edgy, slightly smoky side. Allan Scott’s son Josh heads the winemaking team and he’s … Read More
Matawhero Gisborne Merlot 2016 $22 ★★★★
For a red that’s only just been bottled and released, this is drinking darn gorgeously. Ripe, round, plush plum and milk chocolate notes on the nose and palate, it’s dangerously smooth and velvety in the mouth and boasts a long, warming finish. Subtle fruitcake spices, pepper and hints of red berry add to the fruit … Read More
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Crofters Syrah 2015 $22 ★★★½
If you’re after pure peppercorn and light violet layers in your syrah then you’ve come to the right place. A brisk, sandy texture in the mid-palate and some punchy plum and boysenberry fruit forces its way across the tongue and around the back teeth. The finish is juicy and bright, moderately spicy and definitely nicey. … Read More
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $36 ★★★★½
This new vintage of what’s become an Antipodean icon, has all the hallmarks of becoming another stunner. I say ‘becoming’ because despite this wine already boasting punchy basil, sweet pea, passionfruit and crunchy-fresh citrus and floral characters – I personally really love drinking this wine in the height of summer, a few months on from … Read More
Wine column for week beginning Sat 22 Oct, 2016
The passing of Labour weekend is always a happy turning point of the year for me. It’s the start of beach season and by ‘beach’ I mean the husband starts looking for every opportunity to get the boat out. He’ll hunt around for lucky cray pot spots, drop a line or three in the hope … Read More
Billaud-Simon Chablis 2014 $41 (4 stars)
That delicious, chalky, limestone & crushed oyster shell character merges with lemon pith, white pepper, green apple and a faint touch of almond to produce a really pretty chardonnay that’s light yet beautifully structured in the mouth. Waves of white florals and spice lull you into thinking it’s going to be a gentle ride until … Read More
Champagne Cristian Senez Cuvee Renoir Brut $45 (4 stars)
Where has this champagne been all my life? With its pale gold hue, ultra-fine bead, pillowy, creamy mousse and enticing aromas of milk chocolate, lemon, fresh rising dough and delicately toasted almonds, it’s swoon-inducing from the first sip. It may rock an old-school label, but it’s a fresh, 50:50 pinot noir/chardonnay blend with vibrant acidity, … Read More