We are getting seriously southern this week, from South America to Southern Sauvignon, to a pink that’s been aged in the drink. It’s a smorgasbord of cool treats… Matetic Corralillo Chardonnay 2013 $25 Sourced from the region of Rosario in Chiles San Antonio Valley this chardonnay grows in decomposed granite soils studded with quartz … Read More
2016 Archived Columns
Ma Maison Martinborough Chardonnay 2014
Ma Maison Martinborough Chardonnay 2014 $45 Wellington-based dentist-by-trade Edward Leung has worked incredibly hard to produce small amounts of high quality chardonnay from his How on earth winemaker Wendy Potts manages to inject layers of crème caramel, roast nectarine, cinnamon and juicy, grilled grapefruit into this wine I’ll never know. She’ll tell you it’s all … Read More
Wairau River Marlborough Chardonnay 2014 $20
Gently juicy, peachy, zesty grapefruity goodness, followed by beautifully balanced tropical tautness and punchy acidity are all bunched up into a quadratic equation of excellence in this cracker of a wine. The Rose family behind the Wairau River business are all in this thing, every one of them – and the wines keep getting better. … Read More
Craggy Range Gimblet Gravels Chardonnay 2015 $31.95
This is a sexy example of how restraint can be applied to quality Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay fruit. People assume that because a wine is from the rockstar region of the Gimblett Gravels that it’s going to be a monster. Yet this wine proves the opposite is just as impressive. It shows really artistry at play, … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 23rd April, 2016
Looking at these three chardonnays side by side is like looking at the Solid Gold Dancers when they’re striking their end pose. Legs encased in golden tights, tanned, sinewy arms reaching skyward and happily toothsome, fruity expressions underneath a froth of big hair… Craggy Range Gimblet Gravels Chardonnay 2015 $31.95 This is a sexy … Read More
Domaine Mas Theo Rosé 2014 $20
After several generations of being grape growers, it took until 1999 for Laurent Clapier to become the first winemaker in the family to take over the Domaine. Located in the middle of the Drôme Provençale, the property has been certified organic since 2007 and certified biodynamic since 2011. This 50/50 grenache & syrah-blended rosé has … Read More
Domaine Mas Theo Ferme Theolas 2012 $27
If you wanted a crash course in what great tasting ‘natural’ wine tastes like – then here’s your opportunity. Organic and biodynamically certified, this fantastic Francais blend of 40% grenache, 40% syrah and 20% carignan has bright, sweet red cherry, boysenberry and smooth, peppery characters and a juicy, succulent mouthfeel. I absolutely love this wine. … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 30th April, 2016
If you’ve been looking for groovy, interesting wines from faraway climes to satisfy your hankering for a hands-off, artisan approach then stand by… hashtag ‘prayers’ hashtag ‘answered’ Fuedi Lacryma Christi Bianco 2013 $30 This wine reminds me of a sea breeze, all crisp, bracing and slightly briny. Lovely lemon pith and peach notes underpin the … Read More
Two Rivers Wairau Selection Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $25
There’s a sea of pinot gris out there and it can feel like a bit of a lottery trying to find one that ticks all your boxes. Yet here’s one that somehow manages to pack ripe, musky pear, quince and strudel spices into the bottle alongside a canon of crunchy-crisp nashi notes, a bright, mineral … Read More
Sacred Hill Halo Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $25
Holy moly! How do I even begin describing how glorious this wine smells? Here goes: Vanilla bean, ultra-ripe berries, dark cocoa powder and plum – almost like a liquid Jelly-Tip inside the glass. To drink, it’s incredibly fresh, vibrant and boasts sinewy, muscular tannins and a marathon-like finish. Sip with: Garlic studded Roast Lamb www.caros.co.nz