David and Veronika Evans-Gander have combined chardonnay, pinot gris, viognier and sauvignon blanc and hands down, it’s absolutely one of my favourite things. Ever. An absolute tsunami of flavour, grilled grapefruit, apricot stone, passionfruit and musky florals crash across the tastebuds and smash your palate to pieces in a beautiful collision of complexity. Sip with: … Read More
Current Columns
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat March 24th 2018
Rites of Passage… Single varietal purity is nice, but this week I want to shake that cage and scream “blend it baby!” Passage Rock Waiheke Island Matuku 2017 $65 David and Veronika Evans-Gander have combined chardonnay, pinot gris, viognier and sauvignon blanc and hands down, it’s absolutely one of my favourite things. Ever. An absolute … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat 17th March 2018
The grapes harvest has kicked in across the land. We, hand on heart, wish our winemakers God speed and good luck in this time of anguish and turmoil… Church Road Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $16 Crafted from a blend of Hawke’s Bay merlot and syrah by the scarily talented Chris Scott and his winemaking team, … Read More
Church Road Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $16
Crafted from a blend of Hawke’s Bay merlot and syrah by the scarily talented Chris Scott and his winemaking team, this rosé is generous, juicy and heaving with cherry, berry, creaming soda characters and a finish so long they give you a ‘thank you for participating’ medal. Tangy-fresh and frisky. Sip with: Seared tuna, melon … Read More
Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $29.95
This is a snazzy southern pinot packed with cherry, baking spices, raspberry and tamarillo characters that batta bing with bold tannins to create a deliciously chewy texture and a long, fruit-soaked finish. Sip with: roast venison and pickled blueberries. www.blackmarket.co.nz
Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $35
If someone held a gun to your head and demanded you name one of New Zealand’s most highly awarded sauvignon blanc’s or it’s curtains – then best you whip out Wairau Reserve. The current release is a cracker. Lemongrass, passionfruit, zesty citrus, sugarsnap pea, white pepper and capsicum characters lead to a luscious, lime-induced glass … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat March 17 2018
My eldest daughter turned 18 recently and I had the notion that maybe we’d each enjoy a glass of something glamourous to celebrate. We were now both grown up ladies after all. I splashed out on Champagne, popped it in the fridge and asked her later that day if she’d like to have a glass. … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Ridge Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $62 (4.5 stars)
This is a sleeping giant of a wine, newly released and stirring slowly. I love the ruby colour and aromas of blackberry bush, rosehip tea, wild cherry and cocoa. To drink, it’s gently unfurling, revealing forest floor and leafy lushness. Crushed red currants, violets and baking spices on the palate lead to vibrant, agile tannins … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $56.99 (5 stars)
Fact. Clayvin is the most famous pinot noir vineyard in the country and it’s now lovingly looked after by Marcel Giesen. Perfumed with red rose, fresh-cut tamarillo, red cherry, wild-grown herbs and a hint of pepper, this is sultry elegance personified. The feeling I get tasting this wine is very similar to how I feel … Read More
Sartori di Verona Erfo Brut NV $22 (4 stars)
In the late 1800’s Sartori’s trattoria was the place to frequent if you were a merchant, trader or weary traveller hunting for hearty food, good wine and a comfy place to camp. As the family concentrated more on wine, hospitality remained their focus, which is why their prosecco’s are especially friendly. Wild apple and acacia … Read More