A veritable aristocrat amongst local bubbles, the new release methode from Palliser has lovely lifted aromas of rising dough, almond meal and lemon shortbread alongside a smooth, rich, generously textured palate. It’s a fresh, frisky fizz with tiny, elegant bubbles, creamy mousse and a long, tongue-tingling finish. Stylish and sophisticated sparkles that’ll win friends and … Read More
Current Columns
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Rosé NV $74.99 (4 stars)
This is the 200th year since Madame Clicquot became the first to create a blended rosé from her finest Bouzy reds and her classic champagne. If the aromas of cranberry bagel, rising dough and cashew don’t woo you, then the long, generously-tempered mouthfeel, pinprick effervescence, creamy mousse and subtle raspberry notes on the finish will … Read More
Spade Oak Heart of Gold Gisborne Tempranillo Rosé $23 (4.5 stars)
This is such a pretty, trout-pink coloured wine in the glass and on the nose it bursts with raspberry marshmallow, watermelon and hints of cherry. There’s even a touch of creaming soda and tamarillo in there too. Succulent, saucy and served chilled with a bowl full of bhuja mix it’s just perfect. Or if you’re … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 3rd Feb 2018
You’re not in Montana now Doctor Ropata… Last week Bob Campbell MW, (one of New Zealand’s most influential and experienced wine commentators) discovered that the 2017 vintage of the iconic Montana Sauvignon Blanc was not (as it has been for decades) from Marlborough, not even from New Zealand in fact. It was from Australia. Australian … Read More
Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $26
Lately this corset-strapped strumpet of a wine has been throwing herself at everyone who looks in her direction or has their ears open, because she’s been bouncing her bustle all over big city radio too. If you’re a fan of big, buxom, cuddly, fruit-soaked pinot noir with a spicy kick then this will sort you … Read More
Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Central Otago Riesling 2014 $28
One of just four Riesling’s to feature in the exclusive “60 Fine Wines of New Zealand” list for Air NZ Business Class, the Limelight cut it because it’s a consummate performer. Packed with incredibly pure citrus aromatics and flavours, it absolutely sings class and crunch. A lovely vein of honeysuckle-like sweetness cuts through the mandarin, … Read More
Fantini Swarovski Abruzzo Gran Cuvée Bianco NV $26
Crafted from white varieties indigenous to the Abruzzo region, this wine is a new favourite fizz. I love the scent of fresh florals and apples alongside hints of mango and white peach on the nose. While it might be sweetly scented, the palate finishes crisp and dry. Clean and very pretty (complete with an authenticated … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column Sat Feb 3 2018
Richard Sydney Thomas Dudman (my dad) turns 70 today and I’m bringing these three to the party – woohoo! Fantini Swarovski Abruzzo Gran Cuvée Bianco NV $26 Crafted from white varieties indigenous to the Abruzzo region, this wine is a new favourite fizz. I love the scent of fresh florals and apples alongside hints of … Read More
Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $25 (4 stars)
For fans of a leaner, cleaner, more Chablis-style chardonnay then this’ll be right up your cul-de-sac I reckon. Lemon and grapefruit goodness unveil on the nose, while spicy, citrus-soaked layers last long in the background. Plus there’s a ribbon of creamy almond laced with soft smokiness on the finish to keep you going back for … Read More
Askerne Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $31.90 (5 stars)
The perfume of this wine is so delicious it’s difficult to yank the glass away from your nose for long enough to actually sip it. A hint of butterscotch merges with fresh nectarine, grapefruit and pineapple plushness on the nose and palate, while a zesty vein of spice and toasted crumpet joins them on the … Read More