The great thing about reviewing zero alcohol wines is I don’t have to spit them out – yay!! It’s also handy to remember that de-alcoholised wines can be very floral and fruity and enjoyable, they will have a taste and texture that’s slightly different to full-strength wines. Yet the quality of zero-alc wines is improving … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Rapaura Springs Bouldevines Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2020
Rapaura Springs Bouldevines Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 $36 There are some golden-zones for chardonnay in Marlborough, and the Omaka Valley is right at the top of that list. Its soils can turn out intensely concentrated examples and this is no exception. Surging with roast nectarine, pineapple and melon-mashed magic, fresh, beautifully caramelised oak, creamy complexity … Read More
Known Unknown Pakipaki Syrah 2021
Known Unknown Pakipaki Syrah 2021 $37 Just south of Hastings in Hawke’ Bay is the sleepy hamlet of Pakipaki, famous for its deep, limestone soils (there’s even a limestone quarry nearby), soils that aren’t your typical base for a place where syrah is more famous for growing in its gravel-rich appellations. Whole-bunch fermented for a … Read More
Ricca Terra Riverland Juicy June 2021
Ricca Terra Riverland Juicy June 2021 $27 Ash and Holly Ratcliff are the talents behind this early-release (June) blend of grenache and negroamaro grown in the Riverland region of South Australia. They’re about capturing all that youthful, just-harvested energy and you’ll note that in its bright, crimson colour. Unfined and unfiltered, it’s also slightly cloudy … Read More
Known Unknown Flamingo Bridge Pa Rosé 2022
Known Unknown Flamingo Bridge Pa Rosé 2022 $22 Crafted from organic merlot and cabernet franc grapes grown in the iron-rich ‘red gravels’ of Hawke’s Bay’s Bridge Pa wine region and like a true flamingo, it does not care at all for hiding in the background oh no. It’s out there in all its burnished, russety, … Read More
Blackenbrook Family Reserve Nelson Pinot Noir 2020
Blackenbrook Family Reserve Nelson Pinot Noir 2020 $44 This new vintage does not disappoint. Bursting with vibrant, forest floor lushness, black tea, tamarillo and taut leather layers on the nose, it opens up in the glass to reveal a solid core of black cherry, cranberry and raspberry. The mouthfeel is ripe and clean with lovely … Read More
Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $26 Grown in Kim and Erica Crawford’s certified organic ‘Woolshed’ block, located in the Lower Dashwood area of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this sauvignon is one of my favourites from their fifteen-year history. Why? Because it’s so gently delicious and soothing. It graciously unfurls fresh-cut herbs, plucky passionfruit, peachy tones and … Read More
The Landing Boathouse Bay of Islands Chardonnay 2020
The Landing Boathouse Bay of Islands Chardonnay 2020 $29 If you thought the Bay of Islands was simply a breeding ground for big snapper and crazy kingi’s, then you’ll be overjoyed to know that it’s fast becoming the cradle of some of the nation’s most sensational chardonnay too. With its beautifully balanced nectarine, grapefruit and … Read More
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2021
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2021 $39 Ok, so looking at the 2019, 2020 and 2021 examples, of Trinity Hill’s chardonnay I think, “what have they been feeding the winemakers?” Because there’s something seriously deliciously evil going on. Especially in this vintage. Is it the popcorn drizzled with grapefruit curd? The roast peach and baked … Read More
Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Noir 2020
Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Noir 2020 $32 Looking for a woolly, spicy, soothing and plum-stacked pinot noir? Then you’ve rolled your scooter down the right street my friend. Earthy, toasty and oozing personality, it’s the Moutere clay soils which inject massive minerality into the mid-palate and alongside a seam of fruitwood smoke and cocoa. Warming, friendly, … Read More