It’s that time again. Menfolk of all ages and stages have been fervently cleaning their weaponry, dusting the spiderwebs and cockroach carcasses out of their favourite SwanDri’s and oilskin coats, queuing up to renew their hunting licenses, buying new decoys, camo netting and carting trailer loads of ‘supplies’ to out to rickety maimais in the … Read More
Current Columns
Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $25
Hugely spicy on the nose and palate, this shiny new southern star is heaving with hedgerow fruits, ripe cherry and berry notes, layers of leaf litter and sweet, succulent raspberry tea flavours. Soft, sandy tannins add extra complexity. Sip with: Shredded Duck Burgers www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Canvas column week commencing 6th May, 2017
Schist Happens… This first weekend in May means two things. 1. For the next three months it’ll suck to be a duck, and 2. It’ll be a non-stop Central Otago pinot noir party… Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $25 Hugely spicy on the nose and palate, this shiny new southern star is heaving … Read More
Byrne Vineyard Te Puna Syrah 2015 $42
Sourced from a tiny patch of land overlooking the jawdroppingly picturesque Te Puna inlet, this smooth, inky-maroon, unfiltered syrah just bursts with fresh berries, subtle cocoa and plucky pepper characters. 10% whole bunch fermented, 50% of which was aged in new French oak, this is fleshy, earthy fabulousness in a bottle. Sip with: Classic beef … Read More
Byrne Vineyard Waingaro Syrah 2015 $32
Ben’s original syrah, sourced from 5 clones grown on his tiny, north-facing block overlooking Lake Waingaro, Kerikeri’s main water supply, is 30% whole bunch fermented with a splash of viogier and some extra viognier skins to boost the aromatic lift. Glossy, gorgeous and perfumed with pepper, violets, bay, cocoa and a hint of apricot kernel, … Read More
Byrne Vineyard Puketotara Syrah 2015 $24
Here you have 100% whole bunch fermented, ‘Chave’ clone syrah from the volcanic loam soils of the Fat Pig vineyard on Puketotara Road in Waipapa. Gently foot-stomped and aged in old French oak, this syrah is a delicate example, weighing in at just 11.5% alcohol. Scented with green peppercorn and violets, it has a plush, … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 29th April, 2017
In 2015, Northland winemaker Ben Byrne decided his parcels of fruit from three different syrah locations each had too much personality to lose if they were blended. Hence, he bottled them individually and magic ensued… Byrne Vineyard Puketotara Syrah 2015 $24 Here you have 100% whole bunch fermented, ‘Chave’ clone syrah from the volcanic loam … Read More
Mahana Davey’s Lease Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $42 (4stars)
Winemaker Michael Glover has thrown so many ‘non-sauvignon’ techniques at this wine, it’s now something that might be sauvignon, but not as we know it. Bright, glossy, golden and boasting a lean, smoky, watercressy nose and a palate layered with almond meal, celery seed, bay and tarragon characters. A combo of French oak and acacia … Read More
Karven Bianco Vermouth 500ml $44.95
The lift of fresh orange zest, intense spices and a mouthfeel so smooth and seductive, it’s no surprise that good vermouth has been used for centuries to aid digestive health and fire up even the most flaccid of libidos. Created from local grapes and botanicals like kawakawa and horopito sourced from near the Riverhead-based distillery, … Read More
Tesch Krone Riesling 2013 $39
If riesling with a kiss of green apple, lime and ripe peachiness sounds like a bit of you, then wait until you sip this dry little dazzler. Tesch’s Krone vineyard in the town of Laubenheim, lies directly next to the Löhrer Berg on an eyewateringly steep slope consisting of coarse, decalcified loess and weathered sandstone … Read More