Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2021 ($tbc) Very golden in the glass and possesses a slightly sweet-sour, botrytis and white pepper character on the nose and palate. Consumed ultra-chilled tends to accentuate the citrus and quince characters – however it’s not as varietal and refined as other Penkridge vintages I’ve tasted.
Author: Yvonne
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 $85 North Otago pinot noir has its own signature scent. Baked rhubarb, hints of charcuterie, shiitake mushroom and exotic spices, they’re all here. Valli’s new release has an urgency about it, energy and unputdownability. It’s the kind of wine that wakes up even the most flaccid of flavour buds … Read More
Astrolabe Taihoa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Astrolabe Taihoa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $36 In Maori, ‘taihoa’ means to wait, to not be in a hurry, and the fruit from this vineyard has clearly been given the time and care it needs to create serious yum-factor. Winemaker Simon Waghorn wild – fermented Kēkerengū-grown fruit from the southernmost part of Marlborough in old, … Read More
Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $32 Super-juicy and laced with floral complexity, a slick of salinity and soft citrus rushing across the senses in every sip. Hints of apple and lime wrap around a core of subtle passionfruit and lemongrass. It’s a satisfyingly fresh and energetic sauvignon with plenty of personality and a … Read More
Leveret Estate IQ Methode Traditionnelle Premium Brut NV
Leveret Estate IQ Methode Traditionnelle Premium Brut NV $19 This Méthode Traditionnelle (the same method of making Champagne) is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier that’s been disgorged after a minimum of 18 months on its yeast lees (the residue leftover from the ferment). These guys have been making high-end sparkling wine … Read More
Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019
Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 $40* If elegance and statuesque style is what you’re after in a pinot noir, then best you squeeze into your Nancy Ganz because the Penkridge Farm 2019 is the stovepipe, the skinny jean, the cigarette pant of pinot. Bright cranberry and tamarillo merge with earthy, softly spiced layers … Read More
Astrolabe Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Astrolabe Awatere Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $23-$27 Boasting that unmistakable Awatere Valley florality, this sauvignon has a refreshing, peach blossom perfume, basil, soft passionfruit and a hint of lawn clippings on the nose and palate. Zesty textures and a clean, linear mouthfeel add buoyancy and complexity to its lime-laced finish. Nice one Astrolabe! Astrolabe … Read More
Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Syrah 2020
Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Syrah 2020 $40 There must be something in the water over in the upper Wairau Valley where the Rose family grow their grapes because it seems as though every single wine they make walks away with various shades of heavy metal from wine competitions here and abroad. This syrah is no … Read More
Richmond Plains Supernova Nelson Sparkling Rosé 2022
Richmond Plains Supernova Organic Nelson Sparkling Rose 2022 $25.99 Just like its namesake, this new sparkling wine from one of New Zealand’s pioneering organic wineries delivers an explosion of bright berries, redcurrant, tropical tones and nectarine niceness on both the nose and palate. It’s plump, plush, silky, creamy and super-succulent to sip no matter the … Read More
Greenhough Apple Valley Riesling 2022
Greenhough Apple Valley Nelson Riesling 2022 $25 Every year I marvel at the amount of intense granny smith and jazz-apple crispness and concentrated, spritzy, lime-laden sweetness that Andrew Greenhough and his team manage to cram into this organic wine. Sourced from a tiny, north-facing vineyard on Apple Valley Road (the cutest road name ever) overlooking … Read More