If you prefer your rosé to froth and fizz, then this is going to seriously float your boat. Created in France’s Loire (“loo-aah”) Valley, this is a super-smooth, berries-and-cream-crammed wine that has really seductive mouthfeel. There’s a squeak of sweetness and spice, alongside a rich, slightly nutty finish. Richly structured, it’s a real crowd-pleaser and … Read More
Current Columns
Rockburn Stolen Kiss Rosé 2017 $29 (4.5 stars)
If alien beings arrived from outer space, held weapons to your head and demanded know in 5 seconds flat what New Zealand’s most famous rosé was, you’d best yell out “Stolen Kiss” or you’re custard. It’s a sweetly fruity pink treat with a creaming soda, candy floss, raspberry, nectarine and toffee apple tone to it. … Read More
Hunter’s MiruMiru Methode Traditionelle Brut NV $28.90 (5 stars)
From the first sniff and sip, you’ll completely understand why this is one of the most highly awarded sparkling wines in the country and a much-loved favourite of mine. Generous and lush, with rising dough and smoky aromatics, stonefruit and citrus wash across the palate leaving a rich creamy, textural finish. It’s fresh, stylish and … Read More
Hunter’s MiruMiru Reserve 2013 $49.90 (5 stars)
I adore the biscuit-like aromas of this absolute aristocrat. The almond meal, rising dough notes and serious mid-palate richness in every sip make this a hugely satisfying wine that’s not only long and flavoursome, but also shows real finesse and delicacy. There’s a creamy cashew and lemon-like complexity in this 60% pinot noir 40% chardonnay … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 23 Sept 2017
Hunter’s of bubbles… If you stopped someone random in the street and asked them to name New Zealand’s top sparkling wine brands in ten seconds flat –I reckon they’d be able to rattle off the big commercial names, the Lindauer’s, Morton’s, Daniel Le Brun’s, maybe Deutz and Cloudy Bay and then they’d probably begin to … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 16 Sept 2017
I have a pretty decent relationship with our family cat. She is collectively ‘owned’, so I’m not allowed to refer to her as ‘my’ cat. Even though it’s me that gets her forearms shredded by her claws every few months when attempting to stuff her into a catbox for a vet visit. It’s me that … Read More
Hunter’s Unoaked Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $18.99 (4 stars)
It’s funny how if you put the word “un” in front of something, then people assume it’s going to be lacking. However this heavenly little peachy creature from Hunters hits all the right spots. Juicy nectarine and grapefruity goodness, loaded with lemon and packed with pineapple-powered punch. Great weight and refreshing texture means it’s darn … Read More
Mills Reef Bespoke Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015 ($39.99)
After decades of delivering some of New Zealand’s most highly awarded wines, Tim Preston and his team have decided to let loose with the creative juices and put together some wines/blends that differ from their mainstream range. This blend of 63% cabernet sauvignon and 27% cabernet franc has a heft of dried herbs, pepper and … Read More
Astrolabe Farm Marlborough Riesling 2016 ($23) 4 stars
This wine smells just like you’ve walked into an orchard growing lemons on one side and apples on the other. So intense yet so delicate and the palate reflects exactly that. But I’d expect nothing less however from Simon Waghorn, winemaker extraordinaire and all-round riesling rockstar. Crafted from his home farm vineyard in Marlborough’s Grovetown … Read More
Erben Bürgermeister Lauer Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 1996 Riesling Spätlese Neumagener Rosengärtchen ($57) 4 stars
Yes it’s on the pricey side, but it’s worth every cent and besides, when was the last time you tasted a 21-yearold riesling? Some assume that the word ‘spatlese’ is going to mean the wine will be really sweet. Yet this incredibly fresh riesling from the famous Neumagener Rosengärtchen vineyard is beautifully balanced. Scented with … Read More