Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano 2011 $22 ★★★ A lighter style of red that’ll appeal to those who like a soft, savoury edge to their reds, this Italian quaffer has a flick of dried herbs, gentle meaty notes and a smooth, easy-to-drink style. www.blackmarket.com
Author: Yvonne
Artero Tempranillo 2014
Artero Tempranillo 2014 $14 ★★★★½ How crazy is it that a wine this cheap can scoop a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards AND a gold medal at the NZ International Wine Awards. But it is absolutely deserving. This Spanish stunner has lovely, comforting aromas of blueberry, cherry and medicinal notes. Juicy and … Read More
Theory & Practice Gisborne Chardonnay 2014
Theory & Practice Gisborne Chardonnay 2014 $19.95 ★★★★ Crafted by Ant McKenzie, (wine consultant to the stars) and his viticulturist brother Bryce, this is a cracker of a chardonnay that’s jam-packed with juicy tropical fruit and grilled citrus notes alongside caramelised, toasty characters and edged with creamy, custard square pastry-like notes. Fresh and tangy. To … Read More
Taylors Clare Valley Shiraz 2014
Taylors Clare Valley Shiraz 2014 $18.50 ★★★★ Wow! Steady yourself for intense clove and Christmas cake spices on the nose alongside heady florals and sweet sandalwood notes. In the mouth it is smooth, fleshy and generously fruity, oozing berries and chocolate characters. It’s outstanding value and deeply satisfying. Widely available.
Codorniu Cuvée Barcelona 1872 NV
Codorniu Cuvée Barcelona 1872 NV $31 ★★★½ Soft, chalky, seashell-like aromas merge with lemon and white peach to make this a lovely example of Spanish cava which is super-delicate in the mouth. Made from macabeu, xarello and parellada grapes and weighing in at a demure 11.5% alc, it’s a lipsmackingly light and crisp sip that’s … Read More
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2013
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2013 $30 ★★★★ Guy Porter has blended together an eyebrow-raising combo of riesling, muscat, gewürztraminer and pinot gris from his family vineyard on Georges Road, Waipara to create a wine redolent of yellow roses and grandma’s overnight bag – perfumed and sweet on the nose. In the mouth it has … Read More
Marisco Pride and Glory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Marisco Pride and Glory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $65 ★★★★★ Yes, you saw it correctly, a four year old sauvignon blanc that’s a new release! For Brent Marris and his team this has been a special project to produce a sassily complex sauvignon sourced from the Waihopai Valley that oozes white peach, lemon verbena, creamy … Read More
The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013
The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013 $25 ★★★★ Pioneer winemaker John Thorpe and his family are really making a name for themselves with this family brand and lovers of soft, plummy and plush merlot will fall all over themselves when they taste this wine. Bright berries, cherries chocolatey spices and a long, silky finish make this … Read More
Brookfields Indulgence Dessert Viognier 2014
Brookfields Indulgence Dessert Viognier 2014 $25 ★★★★★ Beware. At a heartstoppingly huge 250g/l of residual sugar, you’ll be needing to get those cavities seen to before you even think about sipping this sexy thing. With incredibly intense aromas of candied mandarin, creamed honey and orange toffee and incredibly luxurious, yet crisp and tangy on the … Read More
CJ Pask Declaration Syrah 2013
CJ Pask Declaration Syrah 2013 $50 ★★★★★ 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 with grip and chew and a long, warming finish. It’s an incredibly satisfying drink now, … Read More