Visit Churton, in winter and you’re likely to spend a lot of time up on a hill looking at “poo pits” and sniffing compost. The winter solstice is when owners Mandy and Sam Weaver choose to release their wines. “In an agricultural sense it’s when one year ends and another begins” explains Sam. “The earth … Read More
2016 Archived Columns
Canvas column week commencing 4th June, 2016
Here’s the thing Chandler Bing. When it comes to wine, it’s eyepopping how a small increase in how much you spend, even just an extra $5 a bottle, will open up a whole new level of quality and all round wow. Churton ‘Best End’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $47 Visit Churton, in winter and … Read More
Beach House Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Malbec 2014 $25
2014 was a slightly cooler in the ‘Gravels than 2013, and that’s good for blended reds like this. They’re more likely to retain elegance, freshness and that all-important fragrance-factor. There’s a lift of dried herb, blackberry and classic sweet tobacco, cocoa and violet notes into the warming, meaty mouthfeel. Sip with: smoked venison salami www.beachhouse.co.nz
Maude Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $36
If you’re a sucker for colour saturation then this will have you ogling. Ultra-bright and boasting incredibly pure aromas of rosehip tea, fresh cherry and raspberry leaf, it’s a floral and fabulous pinot. Super-succulent and plumped up with plums, dried herbs and complex, spicy layers, this is a Central Otago stunner. Sip with: Duck a-la-anything … Read More
Saint Clair ‘Dawn’ Methode Traditionelle 2012 $49
Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its namesake. Vibrant, slightly nutty and packed with … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 11th June, 2016
Saint Clair ‘Dawn’ Methode Traditionelle 2012 $49 Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its … Read More
Swan’s Flight Marlborough Semillon 2013 $18.50
Crafted by Georges Michel’s winemaker daughter Swan, this is a superb ‘cheese board’ wine for those late afternoon loungearounds. Toasted, smoky notes indicate a touch of barrel fermentation across freshly-baled hay, dried herbs and soft, lemony, limey flavours. Sip with a chunk of sheeps milk pecorino or tangy goats cheese www.georgesmichel.com
Kirrihill Clare Valley Shiraz 2014 $16.50
Saturated with inky-dark garnet red, this Clare Valley shiraz oozes classic cocoa, prune, pepper and blackberry characters. Hearty, ribsticking and velvety-smooth, this is a plump, plush, buxom example that’ll have you rooting around in your freezer for home kill and the pantry for your crockpot. Sip with sticky lamb shanks and polenta Distributed by www.mthillary.com
Riverby Estate Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2014 $23
You should SO make it your mission to sip Grüner Veltliner (grooner-velt-leener) this season. Aromas of white flowers, almonds, crushed seashells and lemon lead the way to white flesh peach, soft citrus and tantalisingly textural layers on the finish. Grüner is native to Austria, it’s their signature white wine – their sauvignon blanc if you … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 19th June, 2016
Fretting over the cost of dry firewood? I concur. However these three wines will warm your cockles and shiver your timbers and won’t overheat your wallet… Riverby Estate Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2014 $23 You should SO make it your mission to sip Grüner Veltliner (grooner-velt-leener) this season. Aromas of white flowers, almonds, crushed seashells … Read More