AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010

8 August 2012By Yvonne

AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010, $30  Subtle mango sorbet and delicate limey citrus notes are what you’ll find on the nose, yet in the mouth it’s a different pot of pesce altogether. Full flavoured, rich, concentrated fruit flavours are fleshed out with mineral-driven intensity, lipsmacking acidity and punch on the palate. It’s a beautiful … Read More

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2010

8 August 2012By Yvonne

CRAGGY RANGE GIMBLETT GRAVELS CHARDONNAY 2010, $34  Drool-inducing aromas of grapefruit pith, ripe peach and buttered crumpets slathered in honey. It’s succulent and juicy with tropical tones and nicely balanced, gently-managed toasty oak to counter the fruit sweetness. Crisp and tangy, it’s a real treat and worth every cent. www.craggyrange.com

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2009

8 August 2012By Yvonne

PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ 2009, $29  The Bin 28 Kalimna is the oldest of all the Penfolds Bin series wines and there’s no surprise as to why it’s stayed a firm favourite for generations. I love the sweet, spicy, vanilla-infused oak and concentrated plum, boysenberry and smoky notes in this wine. It’s warm, velvety … Read More

Stalked by the ‘Digest, saved by the bottle…

8 August 2012By Yvonne

How has your week been? Not too traumatic I hope. Sadly, I’ve suffered a fate in the last few days that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I’ve been found by Readers Digest. Only two years ago I celebrated finally being rid of those constant “Authorised Prize Guarantee” and pushy “Sweepstakes Chances” letters, but … Read More

Thirsty Work TV Series

7 August 2012By Yvonne

Over the years in my job as a drinks writer, I have met the most incredible winemakers and craft brewers.  I’d dreamt of one day being able to introduce them and their fantastic stories to you and now that’s a reality with my tv series ‘Thirsty Work’.  Across four seasons, we uncover the hard-working, pioneering, innovators … Read More

Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010

24 July 2012By Yvonne

Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010 $85  Who says the Gimblett Gravels and Waiheke Island are the be all and end all of great kiwi Bordeaux-style reds?  This is a stunning example from the Stillwater area just north of Auckland near the Whangaparoa Peninsula and it’s a muscular, multilayered wine with leathery, … Read More

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011

24 July 2012By Yvonne

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 $26  Incredibly rich, bright, vibrantly fruited with wild strawberry, cherry and exotic spices.  It’s a sensational pinot for the price and boasts lovely complexity and luscious length of flavour.  www.saintclair.co.nz

Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc 2011

24 July 2012By Yvonne

Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $23  Fresh, punchy and packed with passionfruit and lime – this is a little cracker from New Zealand’s newest wine region.  I like the clean, rich, flavoursome mouthfeel, and I think it’ll drink nicely for the next couple of years.  www.ohaugravels.co.nz