Black Estate Waipara Rose 2016 $24 (4 stars)

28 March 2017By Yvonne

Sweet cranberry, rhubarb and cherry notes on the nose, it’s ultra fruity-fragrant and has instant wham bam appeal. Bursting with cherry and raspberry intensity in the mouth, here’s a rose you won’t forget in a hurry. There’s even a peppery, slightly dense, meaty note which gives it real strength and presence.  Sip with warm, spicy, … Read More

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut ($19.99) (3.5stars)

28 March 2017By Yvonne

I love the subtle, seashell and wild flowers on the nose and the immediate juicy-dry spectrum of flavours in the mid palate. Clean, precise and packing some punch, it’s just absolutely delicious and beautifully balanced. Traditionally made using a grape called glera, this little Italian bottle of awesome will have your gums tingling and your … Read More

Mahurangi River Winery Field of Grace Reserve Chardonnay 2014 $54 (5stars)

28 March 2017By Yvonne

Oh wow!  I love the seductive aromas of panetone, roast fig, grapefruit and buttered crumpets that erupt from this wine and the waves of grilled peach and butterscotch that wash across the palate are rather drool-inducing too.  Ultra-fresh and bursting with textural goodness, it’s a gorgeous, super-lengthy example of an old-school, multi-layered chardonnay that’s worth … Read More

Black Estate Circuit Chardonnay 2016 $24 (4 stars)

28 March 2017By Yvonne

If you’re looking for a chardonnay bursting with hazelnut, citrus and hints of toast and smoke then this is for you.  North Canterbury has real talent for producing chardonnay that shows sensational minerality and combine that with a skilled winemaker who can create creamy, nutty notes in the palate spectrum – then you’ve got a … Read More

Wine column for week beginning Saturday 25th Feb 2017

28 March 2017By Yvonne

For a very long time I’ve been moonlighting as a wine tour guide.  I do it for several reasons.  The first being (and this may surprise you) the wage one receives writing a small weekly wine column is not enough to keep me in the Manolo Blahniks and Gucci clutch purses to which I was … Read More

Nevis Bluff Merrils Block Central Otago Pinot Blanc 2015 $35

24 March 2017By Yvonne

Nevis Bluff Merrils Block Central Otago Pinot Blanc 2015 $35 4stars I bet if I’d popped round to your place before now, there is no way you’d have any pinot blanc stashed away. It’s one of those rarely grown grapes that I harbour a lot of love for, so when I come across one, especially … Read More

NZME Regional Newspapers Column Saturday March 18 2017

24 March 2017By Yvonne

Despite the semi-glamourous image that the wine industry has around its edges, winemakers are essentially farmers. They can only harvest their crop once a year, during a tiny window of optimum fruit ripeness (between March and May) in order to extract the best possible quality juice with which to make the best quality wine they … Read More

Radio NZ National

24 March 2017By Yvonne

Semi-regularly I chat about wine with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ Afternoons  Afternoons To listen to some of my  wine recommendations please click here http://www.radionz.co.nz/search/results?utf8=✓&q=yvonne+lorkin Friday 29 August 2014 The Selections: Thornbury Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013 $14 Bodegas Aragonesas Coto De Hayas Crianza 2011 $16 Mudbrick Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2013 $40-$50 Listen Friday 22 August … Read More

Urlar Gladstone Noble Riesling 2015

11 December 2016By Yvonne

When it comes to sweet treats, if you cant beat ‘em, join ‘em.  The organic and biodynamically-produced,  Urlar Noble Riesling 2015 ($30) sings with Manuka honey, tangy nectarine and apple notes.  The acidity is zingy and refreshing, balancing out the intense sweetness of the top notes and making it a superb partner for every possible … Read More