‘Freya’ is an ancient euro-nordic goddess famous for her fondness of love, fertility, beauty, and fabulous things – and, because of these predilections, she’s considered to be something of a party girl. Each sip will have you thinking your Christmases’ have come at once. Lifted florals, lovely lime, ripe apple, honeysuckle, deep minerality and a … Read More
Current Columns
Rolly Gassmann Vin D’Alsace Pinot Gris 2012 $39
The Gassmann’s have been winegrowers since 1611. 1611! That’s like when the King James Bible was first published and when Gallileo discovered sunspots on the sun. Modern life has this pinot gris maturing deliciously. Packed with punchy yellow plum, quince, poached pear and caramelised spices, the flavours are glorious, the acidity is succulent and refreshing, … Read More
Avelada Reserva da Familia Minho Alvarinho 2016 $36
While most imported albariño we see in NZ comes from Spain’s Rias Baixas region, fans of the grape will be chuffed to know that there are some right rumpty Portuguese versions around also. Using fruit from Minho, in the Vinho Verde region, Aveleda ferment it in a combo of large oak barrels and stainless steel … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat Aug 4th 2018
Month 8! Celebrate the Augustness of having made it to two thirds of the way through 2018 with three superb sips… Avelada Reserva da Familia Minho Alvarinho 2016 $36 While most imported albariño we see in NZ comes from Spain’s Rias Baixas region, fans of the grape will be chuffed to know that there are … Read More
Huia Single Vineyard Marlborough Dry Riesling 2016 $32 (4.5 stars)
If you imagine a tiny samurai armed with lime-flavoured floss, whipping it across your tastebuds, then you’re coming close to the immediate sensation of sipping this wine. Crafted by one of New Zealand’s organic aristocrats – this riesling is incredibly zippy, honeysuckle and mandarin and quartz-edged triumph. Love it! www.huiavineyards.com
Matavino Amelia Matakana Viognier 2017 $25 (3.5 stars)
You might imagine the little squiggle on the label is a graphic depiction of the ups and downs of working with nature. I prefer to think of it as a vine tendril left over on the wires post-pruning – much more obvious. Winegrower Jim Hight reckons Matakana is a great spot to grow viognier of … Read More
Three Dark Horses Frank Ernest McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 $50 (4.5 stars)
The three ‘dark horses’ are Matt Broomhead, his father and his grandfather Frank, who all decided on a handshake to go into the wine growing caper together around 8 years ago. This deeply inky shiraz is sourced from 70 year old bush vines grown in their Romano vineyard. Wild-fermented with 20% whole clusters and matured … Read More
Sons of Eden Selene Barossa Valley Tempranillo 2014 $54.95 (5 stars)
The ‘sons’ happen to be young winemakers Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham and they’ve named this wine after the Greek Goddess of the moon, fertility and productivity, which is all very lovely. However I really love the aromas of dark berries and salted caramel, saddle leather and its whiff of old sawmill. It’s also incredibly … Read More
Massena The Moonlight Run Barossa Valley Mataro Grenache Shiraz 2016 $41 (4 stars)
With its clutch of 5-star endorsements from wine critics around the globe, this Rhone-style blend from the mad but brilliant folk at Massena, is just the ticket for hot August nights (yes it’s winter, but I’ve always wanted to weave a Neil Diamond lyric into a tasting note). Inky-dark, earthy, spice-driven and soaked through with … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 28 July 2018
I’d normally kick off this column with something to do with wine because, well, it’s a wine column. However those that know me, know that I’m also an enormous beer fan – not just ‘craft’ beer either. I’m a fan of well-made beer no matter where it comes from. Through my work at Dish magazine … Read More