Karikari Estate Northland Chardonnay 2014 $45 (5 stars)

14 April 2018By Yvonne

Creamy, creamy and creamy! Prepare for a tidal wave of tropical gloriousness to break and crash across the nose and palate. Sweet fruit concentration, macadamia and cashew complexity to create a butterscotchy bodaciousness that’ll blindside you. Maturing beautifully, fresh and frolicsome, caramelised and concentrated. Absolutely gorgeous. www.karikariestate.co.nz

Felton Road Block 2 Central Otago Chardonnay 2016 $51 (5 stars)

14 April 2018By Yvonne

Right in the front of the winery is the Elms Vineyard and this chardonnay comes from select vines, the oldest ones, within that site. Grown organically, and carefully shepherded into the bottle by winemaker Blair Walter, there’s a creamy, luxurious soul to this chardonnay, softly caramelised oak, roasted stonefruit and it’s impeccably balanced and sexy … Read More

Godelia Viernes Bierzo Mencía 2013 $26 (4.5 stars)

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Crafted by Josep Serra and Olga Verde, this hand harvested little mencía (pronounced ‘men-thee-aah) erupts with florals and spice and hedgerow fruits on the nose. Yet on the palate it immediately calms down into a smooth, soft sip with suede-like texture, alongside a hint of salt, mushroom and mineral notes combine with earthy layers to … Read More

Aronui Single Vineyard Nelson Albariño 2016 $22.45 (4 stars)

9 April 2018By Yvonne

The name ‘Aronui’ derives from ancient Māori mythology about the pursuit of knowledge and after a glass or two, you’ll definitely be schooled up on albariño’s awesomeness. Widely planted in northwest Spain and Portugal, it’s recognised as their best and most fashionable white grape – similar to sauvignon blanc for us I guess. I love … Read More

Seresin Moana Blanc 2011 $43 (4.5 stars)

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Moana is one of Marlborough’s best-kept sparkling secrets. A 100% organic & biodynamically-grown blend of 59% chardonnay and 41% pinot noir that’s been aged for 3 years on its yeast lees, it has a soft, nutty, yeasty fragrance of rising dough and cream cheese. A lick of lemon adds an extra layer of loveliness. Sourced … Read More

Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $29 (5 stars)

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Get ready for a total quince-fest in every mouthful! Direct from one of New Zealand’s top organic wine producers comes a dry, texturally rich pinot gris, jam-packed with poached pear and spicy peach flavours. The first sip brings on layers of fine, grainy, tongue-tingly senses which keeps you dipping back into the glass. Fresh as … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat April 7th 2018

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Well Easter flew by in a blur of cocoa-induced craziness, so it’s time to embrace World Health Day, April 7th, with a glass of something good and pure… Straight 8 Estate Canterbury Riesling 2016 $18 Get set for lashings of lime, honeysuckle, lemonade and loads of tropical tastiness in this little cracker from Canterbury. Named … Read More

Straight 8 Estate Canterbury Riesling 2016 $18

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Get set for lashings of lime, honeysuckle, lemonade and loads of tropical tastiness in this little cracker from Canterbury. Named after the 1935 Straight 8 Railton “Light Sports” car which is on display in their Burnham cellar door, it boasts buckets of natural sweetness and just the right amount of crunchy acidity to balance it … Read More

Framingham F-Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $34.99

9 April 2018By Yvonne

Just 850 individually-numbered bottles were made of this luxurious, luscious pinot gris by Andrew Hedley and his scarily talented team at Framingham – so be quick to nab your bottle of this nashi-infused, roast pear and poached quince-soaked example before it’s all gone. Sweet yes, but seriously refreshing and tangy and boasting caramelized concentration on … Read More