100% garganega (gar-gar-nay-gah) grapes have been used to tizzy together this stunningly fresh, medium bodied, citrus-saturated white wine from the appellation of Soave (soh-ah-vay). I love the luscious lemongrassy layers, white pepper, rich, chalky characters and it’s marathon-like finish. I also love that every sip is like hanging on to the last of summer. Great … Read More
Current Columns
Ash Ridge Premium Cabernet Merlot 2016 $31 (4 stars)
From what’s fast becoming known as a very elegant vintage in Hawke’s Bay, comes a cabernet dominant blend that reflects the iron-rich, red gravels of the Bridge Pa triangle beautifully. Made by the super-talented Lauren Swift, this bold, spicy blend has hefty red fruited aromatics, hints of smoke and soy and boasts a long, stylishly … Read More
Summerhouse Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 $19.99
Summerhouse is a family-owned company that harnesses the talents of legendary Master of Wine, Sam Harrop to create wines that were until recently only available overseas. Sourced from the Taylor Pass in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this gris has punchy pear and juicy peach flavours, smashed together with crunchy apple and spicy quince characters to create … Read More
Eradus Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2016 $18.00
Marlborough’s Awatere Valley injects its own distinctly floral element into all the wines which come from it. This rich, spicy, super-succulent pinot gris has quince, baked apple and banging acidity on the palate. It’s a gris that’ll hit that honeyed, citrus spot and brings in a classic edge of pear, white peach and pepper, which … Read More
Grove Mill Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2013 $18.00
Gewurz-hounds ahoy! If you go gaga for classic lychee-soaked, ginger-kissed, peach-packed gewürztraminer, then this little gem will have you swooning. Especially when you find out it’s almost all gone and we’ve managed to nab a sneaky stash just for us. The perfume is exotic, the fruit sweet and tangy, and it feels mouthwatering and silky … Read More
Three Miner’s Herringbone Earnscleugh Riesling 2016 $23.00
Earnscleugh Valley sits half way between Alexandra and Clyde and it’s like a riesling nirvana. The label is a tad old school (but we hear a new design is in the works) but don’t let that stop you from appreciating its lovely pale colour and sneakily subtle, lemon and lime aromas. Yet it’s the juicy … Read More
Bannock Brae Dry Central Otago Riesling 2016 $22.00
Catherine and Crawford Brown are best known for their intensely bold and succulent pinot noir. However when I discovered this little pearla of a riesling, I was completely seduced. Only tiny amounts are made of this incredibly bright, shiny riesling which bursts with crystalline lime, squeaky, silica-dusted green apple and a sexy little line of … Read More
Ka Tahi Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $19.99
There’s a bucketload of roast peach and ripe apricot on the nose of this big, bold and juicy chardonnay. With butterscotch aplenty, hints of grilled grapefruit, a solid seam of buttered toast and cinnamon, it really does feel like the gift that doesn’t stop giving. I say that because the finish is ultra-long and creamy … Read More
Theory & Practice Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $21.95
Crafted by wine consultant to the stars, Ant Mackenzie and his viticulturist brother Bryce, this is a cracker of a chardonnay that’s jam-packed with punchy peach, juicy tropical fruit and gorgeous grilled citrus notes. It also boasts caramelised, toasty characters all edged with creamy, custard square pastry-like notes. It hits that sweet spot between ‘balanced … Read More
Cottier Estate Emily Gladstone Chardonnay 2015 $21.50
Chardonnay from the Wairarapa is one of my favourite things because it’s just so versatile. This is one of those styles that hits the middle of the lane where the stonefruit and citrus has a roasted, toasted nature to it and there’s a distinct nutty note on the finish. Yet it’s not weighed down by … Read More