Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Pinot Gris 2016 $25 (3.5 star)

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Aged on its yeast lees (what’s left over once the yeast finishes fermenting), this Wairarapa-grown gris is deliciously dry, lean, clean and shows an edge of apple skin, nashi juice and white pepper.  There’s a splash of citrus on the finish and it’s got some good persistence on the palate.  Grown organically and clearly there’s … Read More

St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $55.99 (4.5 stars)

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Here’s a gorgeously glossy, eucalypt and herb-scented little star that’s classic Coonawarra through and through.  Blackcurrant, white pepper, smoky, cedar notes, loads of florals and a burst of black olive makes itself known on the finish.  It’s a masculine, complex example that’s leathery, earthy and definitely drinking nicely now. www.firstglass.co.nz

Unison Gimblett Gravels Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010 $57 (4 stars)

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Maturing nicely, this classic Gimblett Gravels cabernet oozes bouquet garni aromas, cocoa, mint and graphite alongside a squeak of vanilla and blackberry.  The acidity is still right up front, while the tannin layers are softening into a support structure as opposed to being a chewy-dry mouthful.  Savoury, peppery, leathery notes show themselves on the finish … Read More

wine column week commencing 17th June, 2017

21 June 2017By Yvonne

We’re in the middle of June.  June!  How did this even happen so quickly?  It’s like our year is David Hasselhoff and he just pressed the ‘turbo boost’ button on KIT’s dashboard (GenY’s and Millenials will be furiously Googling now I’m sure)  Some people are winter people and that’s fabulous, however I’m not one of … Read More

Weaver Estate Central Otago Pinot Rosa 2014 $39

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Pinot noir saignee juice (juice bled from the must) is fermented with wild yeasts and then aged for two years on lees in oak (whaat? That’s crazy talk for rosé!). But because of that, you get aromas of crab apple jam, melon, toasted cashew and berry blossom, plus it has great richness and substance.  Essentially, … Read More

Huia Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $23

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Expect a cheek-slappingly good explosion of passionfruit, lime zest, red capsicum, gooseberry and all manner of herbaceous heroism in this fully-certified, organic sauvignon blanc. Grown on the Allan family’s Boyces Road vineyard, it’s got power, drive and pluckiness on the palate and finishes with freshness, power and precision.  What to pair with this wine? Sip … Read More

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionelle NV $30

21 June 2017By Yvonne

New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit looks a bit like an underground reef, and it sits directly below Quartz Reef’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bendigo.  This biodynamically-grown, classically-styled fizz is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay sourced from both Bendigo and a small patch of vines in Gibbston and it’s one of the … Read More

Canvas column week commencing 15th June, 2017

21 June 2017By Yvonne

Some snap, crackle and pop for your Saturday?  Step right this way…   Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionelle NV $30 New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit looks a bit like an underground reef, and it sits directly below Quartz Reef’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bendigo.  This biodynamically-grown, classically-styled fizz is a blend of … Read More