This is a classic style of affordable shiraz oozing bright berryfruit and violet aromas and a mouthfeel tht’s soft, warming and mellow with saucy, plummy notes and hints of dark chocolate to finish. Dangerously easy to drink and easy on the wallet. Widely available
Columns
Black Estate Damsteep Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $42 ★★★★
The Damsteep vineyard is in organic conversion, which sits nicely with the ethos of pretty much everything at Black Estate. There’s a deeply earthy, very ‘connected’ character in this wine which boasts aromas of sandalwood, cherry, funky spices, smoke, meaty mushroom and truffle. The tannins are present, but ultra-easy, making for a slippery-smooth mouthfeel. www.blackestate.co.nz
Crowded House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24 ★★★★
Super-juicy, lemony and loaded with passionfruit and crisp peach, pepper and basil flavours; this is a refreshing, lip-smackingly crunchy example that’s simply yummy. Great length of flavour too. www.foodbox.co.nz
Wine column week beginning 3 Sept, 2016
As soon as September 1st hit, a friend on Facebook popped a post at 5am saying “Spring is Sprung. Frost protection windmills are spinning”. Crumbs! Where has the year gone? Just days before, Simon Nunn’s from Coopers Creek out in West Auckland, had posted a photo of buds bursting on their pinot gris vines. Is … Read More
Giesen The Brothers Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $35 ★★★★½
I had no idea that Giesen even did merlot until just recently when I came across this plump, character-packed example. Fresh and plummy, and boasting layers of concentrated cherry, lifted spices, pepper and cocoa – it’s a smooth, yet statuesque sip indeed. www.giesen.co.nz
Ruby Bay Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $24 ★★★½
I love that Nelson sauvignon blanc has its own distinct character, its so floral and flush with ripe nectarine, lemon and basil flavours. Located just 5 mins from the Mapua Wharf in the Upper Moutere overlooking Tasman Bay, Ruby Bay’s vines thrive under some serious sunshine hours. Winemaker John Jackson has crafted a slick, snappy … Read More
Soho White Collection Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 $20 ★★★★
How pretty is this wine! I love the soft, baby pink hue and the gorgeous marshmallow, juicy raspberry and plum characters which burst from the bottle. Zesty-fresh, dry and packed with personality and flavour – it’s got classic prawn cocktail written all over it. www.sohowine.com
Johner Estate Blanc de Noir 2012 $36 ★★★★
Pale apricot colour and boasting beautiful, pin-prick beads of bubbles and a rather gorgeous aroma of ripe stonefruit, berry brioche and almonds, this characterful methode is luscious and tangy but has an elegant, stylish edge. www.johner-estate.com
Ceres Fifth Bridge Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $30 ★★★★
Ceres (seer-ez) is the Roman goddess of Agriculture, and it’s a name which reflects the earth-wise direction of James, Matt and Robin Dicey and their focus on true sustainability. It’s a restrained, elegant style showing layers f leather, dried herbs, cured meats, hints of smoke and juicy, wild cherries on the finish. www.cereswines.co.nz
Wine column for week beginning Sept 10, 2016
How is it that we’re into the middle of September already? Let’s segway into the sunny side of the year with some tips to bring out the best from your beverages. About to launch into a full-on curry with 3 chillies next to it on the menu? Then be warned – step AWAY from … Read More