Prepare for a spice overload in this certified organic example from the lovely John Douglas at Te Hera. I say ‘lovely’ because he is quite possibly the smiliest man in all the Wairarapa. What he’s able to produce from his tiny Te Muna Terraces site is year-after-year is reliably delicious, like he’s some sort of … Read More
Current Columns
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 21 April 2018
I remember a decade ago watching a programme called ‘Full-On Food’ on Food TV. It was hosted by a flame-haired foodie of Australian extraction by the name of Roxy Beaujolais. She’d come from running the front desk at Ronnie Scotts, to cooking and then becoming the landlady of a spectacular pub called the Seven Stars … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas column for Sat 14 April 2018
There’s a reason why wine is needed this week. My teenage daughter is learning to drive. In my car. With me. It’s been emotional. Dominio de Heredia Rioja DOC 2015 $19.90 Super-smooth and masculine, like sniffing George Clooney after a wet shave, it’s all tobacco, man-sweat, saddle leather and desert dust. Wait. What was I … Read More
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2016 $25.90
At least once a week I must have Thai food and when I do, I must have a crisp glass of gewürztraminer to soothe its passage. I thought the 2014 vintage was unstoppable then the 2016 came along and wow! This musky-spiced style from Chris and Judy Simmonds block on Dog Point Road is a … Read More
Champagne Joseph Desruets Brut Special Cuvée Les Prémices NV $150
I LOVE learning about new champagne houses and Desruets is my new favourite. A 60/40 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, it’s so incredibly fresh, pillowy and pure. I love the lacy citrus, cashew, bagel dough and shortbread characters on the palate, its harmonious texture, impeccable balance and lift – it’s an absolute aristocrat of … Read More
Dominio de Heredia Rioja DOC 2015 $19.90
Super-smooth and masculine, like sniffing George Clooney after a wet shave, it’s all tobacco, man-sweat, saddle leather and desert dust. Wait. What was I talking about again? The wine! Yes. Tempranillo grapes were harvested, crushed, fermented, and aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels to bring on the smoky, prune, and pepper flavours … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 14th April 2018
I would never in a million years have thought that I could reduce my energy footprint by powering my laptop with a glass of wine. I read an interesting snippet in www.thedrinksbusiness.com about American chip maker Intel unveiling a processor powered by wine. This processor is the brainchild of Intel’s in-house anthropologist (every company should … Read More
Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $20 (4 stars)
Steady yourself for a tsunami of citrus, punchy passionfruit, luscious lemonade and a long, long, long (did I say long?) flavoursome finish. Crafted by the good folk at Pegasus Bay wines, this is a lovely example of the North Canterbury style. Yummo! www.pegasusbay.com
Osawa Wines Prestige Collection Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $50 (4.5 stars)
Osawa’s chardonnay vines send their roots down deep into the soils on a river terrace about 30 minutes west of Hastings, where the boulders along the rows are so big they’re called “Mangatahi Swedes” by the local farmers. With aromas of grilled grapefruit, struck match, flinty intensity and lemony notes – it’s hard to pull … Read More
Little Angel Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $20.00 (3 stars)
I love this pinot gris because its so subtle and gentle and crisp and showing lovely pear and baked apple and hints of toasty, creamy spices. Crafted by the good folk at boutique Bladen wines, it’s a really crowd-pleasing style. www.bladen.co.nz