Prosecco? Sweet? Not here at least. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a drier, chalker, zestier example this side of the dark-skinned stump. A stump which happens to be near the historic areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, where the vineyards gro 100% glera grapes that are fermented to a positively demure 11% alcohol … Read More
2016 Archived Columns
Petane Station Gewurztraminer Rosé 2016 $30
Prepare for things to get cro-zay with this rosé. A collaboration between Petane Station and natural wine zealot’s Dirtoir, – this wacky wine is a gewurztraminer that’s had extra skin contact in the ferment and a splash of syrah to inject some perfectly pink colour. Aromas of pink peppercorn, fennel, musky raspberry notes and classic … Read More
Diemersdal Dubanville Pinotage 2015 $25
Just because it has pinot noir as it’s Dad, don’t be lulled into thinking pinotage going to be safe as a cardigan and slippers, oh no. Its mum is crazy old cinsault and she injects some meaty tannins, deep plum, concentrated berry and chocolate flavours, which make this an utterly unputdownable (technical term there) red … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 17th Dec, 2016
Are your tastebuds becoming a tad too complacent? Slacking off when you need them the most? They need a good kick up the nono, and these are the wines for the job… Diemersdal Dubanville Pinotage 2015 $25 Just because it has pinot noir as it’s Dad, don’t be lulled into thinking pinotage going to … Read More
O:Tu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17 ★★★★
Wow! If you’re partial to green, green and more greeny goodness in your sauvignon blanc, then this may be just the wheel-spinner you’re looking for. Scented with intense jalapeno, basil and blackcurrant leaf and tomato stalk notes, followed by a smash of passionfruit and lime. Great value, crisp and crunchy. www.winebox.co.nz
Matahiwi Estate Cuvee NV $22 ★★★★
In the past I haven’t been very welcoming of sparkling pinot gris. Nothing’s wowed me until now. Winemaker Jane Cooper and her team at Matahiwi have clearly cottoned on to something because this snazzy sparkler captures the lovely nashi, quince and musky characters pinot gris is famous for, but in a lean, subtle way. There’s … Read More
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Gisborne Chardonnay 2014 $75 ★★★★★
This is one of those wines that makes me want to do a little dance as soon as I sniff it. It’s just a joy to drink if you get my drift. It’s like (and believe me I’m seriously sober writing this) the wine is giving you a little oral high-five with every sip. Golden … Read More
Toño Hawke’s Bay Tempranillo 2014 $25 ★★★★
With aromas of dust-covered blackberries, fresh tamarillo and peppercorn characters followed by a palate oozing ripe berries and chocolate, stacks up to create slippery-smooth, flavoursome, local example of a Spanish superstar. Juicy, vibrant and dangerously easy to drink. www.blackmarket.co.nz
Velenosi Lacrima de Morro d’Alba 2014 $25 ★★★★
This is the first time I’ve ever tried the ‘Lacrima’ variety, and grows in Velenois’s own vineyards in the coastal municipality of Ancona in Italy’s Marche region. The bottle is a cute, stumpy shape that I love. Then the smell of roses, violets and cranberries and pomegranate all cascade into the palate and smash into … Read More
Wine column week commencing 30th April, 2016
Sometimes when I’m in the supermarket wine aisle, I like to stand back and sneakily watch what people are buying and how they’re buying it. Yes, it’s slightly creepy behavior I’ll admit, but it’s amazing the patterns that emerge. There’s one group of people who appear to know exactly what they’ve come for and make … Read More