Marsden Estate Bay of Islands Tempranillo 2014 $42 ★★★★ Who would have thought that big, busty, dusty Spanish red grapes like Tempranillo would ever be happy growing in a tiny, 10 acre, sub-tropical pocket of Northland? Not many, if any. But Rod McIvor of Marsden Estate had full faith and this juicy, plush, spicy red … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris 2015
Neudorf Moutere Pinot Gris 2015 $29 ★★★★ Winemaker Todd Stevens and viticulturist Richard Flatman have done a cracker of a job creating pinot gris that smells like pear and apple strudel served with poached quince and cream. Exotically spicy, chock full of ripe fruit and has a deeply textural mouthfeel that’s fresh and funky. A … Read More
Fox Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Fox Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $18 ★★★½ This is a sweet, sweaty sauvignon crafted by 40-year winemaking veteran John Belsham and his team at Foxes Island Wines, and for the price it’s a darn good drink. Classic passionfruit and basil and even a splash of elderflower followed by a lick of lemongrass and lime. Nicely … Read More
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013 $25 ★★★★★ Outrageously good. So good in fact it was selected a one of just twelve wines to represent the very best of the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation from the much lauded 2013 vintage. That it’s only $25 a bottle is quite staggering because it tastes better than … Read More
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $27 ★★★★½ For me, sauvignon blanc’s like this absolutely scream their sense of place. From a mile away you can tell it’s from the Awatere Valley because of the gorgeous elderflower, lemon blossom, peach and lime perfume typical of the region that just romp from the glass. Delicate herbaceousnesss, … Read More
Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015
Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015 $25 ★★★★½ Lovers of sweeter pinot gris are sure to go doolally over this honeysuckle-soaked style. Think nectarine, nashi pear, mandarin and the pungent tang of quince, make this Bannockburn-grown gris downright gorgeous. Superb with your next chicken tikka marsala. www.domainroad.co.nz
Hãhã Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Hãhã Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $15.99 ★★★½ I’ve been trying to recall if there’s ever been a vintage of this wine that I’ve tasted and been less than wowed by. And there isn’t one. This shiny new example has intense lime, feijoa, gooseberry and classic passionfruit flavours abound. It’s juicy, generous and represents really good … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2013 $16.95 ★★★★ Well I for one did a little dance after tasting this wine because not only is it bright and berry-stacked on the nose, but it’s loaded with plum, boysenberry and attractive vanilla, spice and smoky notes on the palate. It’s a warm, cuddly, silky and slippery … Read More
Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘O’ Marlborough Chardonnay 2014
Brancott Estate Letter Series ‘O’ Marlborough Chardonnay 2014 $34 ★★★★★ This wine smells like peach and almond crumble, caramelised citrus and has a delicious blend of spiciness and creaminess to add to its all-round yumminess. There’s a lovely roasty, toasty layer and a buttery injection on the finish. The ‘O’ stands for their Omaka vineyard. … Read More
Château Rombeau Cuveé Elise Vieilles Vignes 2008
Château Rombeau Cuveé Elise Vieilles Vignes 2008 $42.95 ★★★½ Hailing from the Cotes du Rousillon in the south of France, this eight year old blend of syrah, mourvedre and Grenache has a light, gently savoury plum and dried herb character on the nose followed by plush cherry and dark fruit notes in the mouth. So … Read More