Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009 $40 Inky-dark and packed with concentrated plum, cocoa, sexy spices and lifted dried-herb aromatics. In the mouth it is luscious, juicy and elegantly flavoursome. The tannins are solid, present yet beautifully integrated and contribute to stunning length of flavour. This is a superb wine which is … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Scoops 5 Nations Trophy
A partnership between prestigious Martinborough producer Dry River and pioneering Gimblett Gravels winery Te Awa in Hawke’s Bay, has beaten an esteemed field from South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Chile and New Zealand to take the hotly contested Five Nations Challenge Red Wine of the Show Trophy. The Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($55) was … Read More
Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010
Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 $21 Lifted spicy plum, raspberry and deep cherry and cocoa aromatics followed by a lovely chocolate, smoke character on the finish, this is a fantastic, fresh, beautifully balanced red that will definitely impress. I think it’ll cellar well for another 4-5 years if you’re disciplined enough. www.cypress.co.nz Cypress Hawke’s Bay … Read More
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007 $60 I’ve been waiting for a 100% Grenache from Hawke’s Bay since forever! Heady roasting pan juices, rosemary and dusty, earthy aromas lead the way to spicy plum, mace and amazingly silky, earthy, blackberry and cherry smoke. It’s a muscular, meaty wine – and is just sensational with … Read More
Cooper’s Creek SV Gisborne ‘Bell Ringer’ Albarino 2011
Coopers Creek SV Gisborne ‘Bell Ringer’ Albarino 2011 $20 Dubbed the ‘Bell Ringer’ because it was an instant hit within the company, it’s also the namesake of their Gisborne growers Doug and Delwyn Bell. It has soft, powdery floral aromas and super-clean, dry and minerally in the mouth with a white peach note on the … Read More
Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010
Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010 $28 Scented with yellow plum, orange oil and frangipane. In the mouth it boasts citrus pith and musky, mid-palate seductiveness. Topped off with tangy, warming length of flavour and a nicely balanced 13.5% alcohol, this is definitely a drinkable example that works beautifully with apricot and sage-stuffed pork roast. www.millton.co.nz Millton … Read More
19th September 2011 Wine Awards Season
Wah-hoo! It’s Wine Awards Season! There’s no doubt about it, we are in the thick of wine awards season. Medal announcements are flying around the media faster than a Sonny Bill shirt-swap pic on Facebook. I’ve lost count of how many press releases I’ve seen just in the last few days announcing trophies here, gold … Read More
Reefton Phoenix Golden Ale
Reefton Phoenix Golden Ale 330ml 5% $4 Reefton is known as the ‘Town of Light’ after having the first public supply of electricity in the Southern Hemisphere, but now it lends its name to this zesty beer which has snappy, malty aromatics, hints of oyster shell and a long, sparkling tangy finish. It’s just fabulous … Read More
Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010
Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010 $22 Inspired by the upcoming Rugby madness, winemaker Steve Gill says it’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok and deep fried wallaby and also “to wash down any English puddings”. Ripe and robust, peppery and smooth, it’s dangerously easy to drink. Created as a hearty, ribsticking wine to … Read More
Lime Rock Gruner Veltliner 2011
Lime Rock Grüner Veltliner 2011 375ml $22 The debut example from the best little winery southside of the Te Hauke swamp, and it has interesting white pepper, apple and sake-like aromas followed by green apple, fruitwax and subtle, salty notes on the finish. A really interesting wine that is also rare as hens teeth, so … Read More