Black Estate Damsteep North Canterbury Riesling 2016 ($27) 4.5 stars

19 September 2017By Yvonne

This is a really unusual, spicy, punchy riesling from their clay and limestone-laden Damsteep vineyard located at the foot of the Omihi Saddle. Grown biodynamically and 2 years into their organic certification, these 17 year-old vines are really hitting their straps. Matured in 3-10yr old barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation gives gorgeous, creamy complexity to … Read More

Yvonne Lorkin CANVAS column for Sat 16 Sept 2017

16 September 2017By Yvonne

Central Otago might reside at the bottom of the world, but its aromatic whites are interstellar… Archangel Stephania Central Otago Riesling 2015 $25 Zenek Zurakowski has cleverly added the official International Riesling Foundation sweetness scale to his back label, clearly indicating this is definitely on the dry end of the spectrum. Lifted green apple and … Read More

Opawa Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $27 (4 stars)

11 September 2017By Yvonne

This wine has those glorious, mysterious hedgerow and forest-floor type flavours that send me into a little swoon and yet, the wallet remains calm and happy. Opawa means ‘smoky river’ in Maori, and the vineyard is located in what was the riverbed of the old Opawa River. It’s crafted by Brett Birmingham and the talented … Read More

Homer Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $21.50 (3.5 stars)

11 September 2017By Yvonne

Ultra-savoury, almost marmitey and meaty, this certified organic marlborough pinot noir has been shepherded into the bottle by winemaker Rebecca Salmond. Strong, muscular tannins give cheek-suckingly complex texture and add oomph to the shedload of spices already present. There’s a lot going on in this wine so make sure you’ve got some serious protein handy … Read More

Montana Winemakers Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $16.99 (3.5 stars)

11 September 2017By Yvonne

Sick of sauvignon that’s all sweet passionfruit, armpit sweat and OTT with the capsicum and cats pee? Fret no longer, this puppy has a lift of white peach, lemongrass, basil and limey loveliness alongside a vein of quartzy minerality in the mouth. It’s lean, clean, tidy and darn tasty. Available in supermarkets.  

Moana Park SVR Gimblett Road Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015 $45 (4 stars)

11 September 2017By Yvonne

If you’re a fan of violets with vavoom and buckets of black pepper, then it’s all here in this wine. Newly released, this syrah from New Zealand’s most famous red wine soils, is incredibly youthful and spicy, with a seam of sarsaparilla and soy sneaking through it also. The tannins have good chew and add … Read More

Moana Park SVR Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $45 (4 stars)

11 September 2017By Yvonne

This is one of those pinot’s which oozes savoury, meaty, earthy aromas, yet as soon as it’s sipped, a tsunami of spice tends to drown the tastebuds in the nicest way of course. This is the first time I’ve tasted a Central Otago wine made by this vegan & vegetarian-friendly producer, and it’s a nicely … Read More

Man O’War Waiheke Cabernet Franc Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot 2014 $28 (4 stars)

8 September 2017By Yvonne

Winemaker Duncan McTavish has stitched together a gorgeously bold blend of four Bordeaux varieties from their sun-baked vineyards overlooking Man O’War Bay. 18 months in oak has unleashed powerful aromas of blackcurrant, liquorice and spice that osmose into an invitingly soft palate packed with dark berries, bay leaf, chocolate and coffee and finishing with delicately … Read More