Go for a hoon around Rosie Butler and Rodger Tynan’s vineyard located just outside of the tiny township of Tikokino (about 20 mins from Takapau and 10 mins from Onga Onga) and you’ll see incredible lumps of limestone rock puncturing the ridgelines. It’s this fossil-rich soil which gives this gris its classically crisp, cleansing, mineral-like … Read More
Current Columns
Stanley Estates Block 8 Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 ($28) (4.5 stars)
Such a deliciously earthy undercurrent sweeps across the nose and palate of this wine. Gold medal winner at last years Japan Wine Challenge, the Block 8 is a taut, tamarillo-laden lovely that’s edged with spice, wild fruits, bold acidity and chewy tannins – this Awatere Valley-grown pinot noir is definitely one to watch. Actually don’t … Read More
River-T Estate Waitaki Pinot Gris 2017 $22 (4.5 stars)
It’s got to be the limestone-laced, river gravels that these vines grow in that makes the wine so bouncy-fresh in the mouth. Think tangy nectarine, quince and nashi notes combining with speed-racer acidity and a lengthy, fruit-soaked finish. Cleansing and crunchy – I love it! www.rivertestate.co.nz
Moutere Hills Nelson Pinot Gris 2016 $23 (4 stars)
Nelson is known around the globe as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to turning out aromatic whites erupting with eye-poppingly pure, clean floral notes and crisp, stonefruit and apple characters. Produced by Rusty Rayne and Lisa Goodson, this pinot gris hits that zingy, spicy spot that sneaks through the dry, pear … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 10th Feb
A couple of mornings ago I got out of bed at sparrows to catch a 6am flight. I had a quick rinse under the shower, threw some clothes on by the light of my cellphone torch so as not to disturb the slumbering husband and then I tore through my makeup and hair at warp … Read More
Corofin Settlement Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $49.90 (5 star)
With its ever-so-pale pink label of this Omaka Valley-grown pinot, you’d imagine it might be a lightweight, yet it’s as deeply complex and beguiling as a forbidden love. Un-fined and un-filtered, it boasts soft cherry and hedgerow fruits and smells like you’ve walked into a Chinese apothecary. Exotic, earthy and incredibly succulent to sip. Sip … Read More
Brookfields Indulgence Hawke’s Bay Botrytis Viognier 2016 $25 (5 stars)
Viognier (vee-yon-yay) made into a dessert wine is rare occurrence, yet Peter Robertson at Brookfields is the master and commander of the style. Scented with jasmine and citrus oils, followed by toffee and marmalade intensity on the nose and palate, caramelized mixed peel flavours and the most luxuriously sweet, tangy finish, I give it 6 … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column Sat 10th February 2018
Valentines Day cometh, so get your skates on and woo up a storm with these three love potions… Brookfields Indulgence Hawke’s Bay Botrytis Viognier 2016 $25 (5 star) Viognier (vee-yon-yay) made into a dessert wine is rare occurrence, yet Peter Robertson at Brookfields is the master and commander of the style. Scented with jasmine and … Read More
Ata Rangi Crimson Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (4 stars)
The team at Ata Rangi are head-over-kite nuts about pohutukawa trees and re-establishing native rata in the lower North Island where it once flourished, henceforth, sales of every bottle of this succulent, juicy pinot go towards the Project Crimson charitable conservation trust. Tamarillo, spicy cherry and black quava burst forth on the nose and palate, … Read More
Two Rivers Brookby Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $19.99 (4 stars)
The 2016 won a gold medal at the 2017 NZ International Wine Show because it seduced the judges with its nashi and nectarine nuances, prickly, sexy texture, sweet, ripe perfume and cleansing length of flavour. I reckon this new version is just as delicious. Made by the dangerously talented (and not shabby looking) Dave Clouston, … Read More