O:TU Limited Release Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018

June 24, 2020By Yvonne

O:TU Limited Release Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 $35.99 Twelve months in barrel has given this ‘only produced in exceptional years’, hand-harvested, single-vineyard, pinot noir real  spice and weight despite its light, mulberry colour.  You see, pinot noir is a crazy grape in that even the lightest-looking examples can turn out to absolutely heave with flavour.  … Read More

O:TU Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

June 23, 2020By Yvonne

O:TU Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $23 This sauvignon blanc is an ultra-elegant example, stitched together with citrus and passionfruit, basil and lemongrass layers .  The powdery texture in the mid-palate provides a lovely counterweight to the punchy herbaceousness and floral tones.  It’s delicious and crunchy-fresh. For stockists in your area email b.magan@otuwines.com  

Lime Rock Central Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015

June 23, 2020By Yvonne

Lime Rock Central Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $19 (retasted 23.6.2020) At five years old, sauvignon blanc should, according to popular belief, be heading toward the rest home.  However this example from Rosie Butler’s vineyard growing in the deep, limestone soils of Tikokino, has loads of life left in it. Lemongrass, basil, peapod and passionfruit … Read More

Taylors Jaraman Clare Valley + Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

June 23, 2020By Yvonne

Taylors Jaraman Clare Valley + Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 $33 Utilising fruit from both Coonawarra and the Clare Valley has injected banging spices on the nose, yet soothing, soft textures in the mouth.  Deeply perfumed with pepper, menthol, bay, plum, cocoa and cherry, then following up with all those elements replicated on the flavour-front, this … Read More

Taylors Jaraman Clare Valley + McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018

June 23, 2020By Yvonne

Taylors Jaraman Clare Valley  + McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 $33.99 Blending top class fruit from two of South Australia’s greatest wine regions, this shiraz heaves with personality and ‘drink me’ deliciousness.  Intensely plummy and edged with cocoa and fruitcake spices, it’s a wine with super-smooth, elastic tannins and a long, satisfying finish.  Warming, woolly and … Read More

Cassels Woolston Pale Ale

June 22, 2020By Yvonne

Cassels Woolston Pale Ale 328mls (24 x $75) This is their classic pale ale brewed on the banks of Christchurch’s Heathcote River in the historic suburb of Woolston.  A combo of Motueka and Nelson hops alongside three different malts, has me all a-quiver with every glug.  Why?  Mainly because it’s just so immediately drinkable, beautifully … Read More

Mills Reef Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019

June 22, 2020By Yvonne

Mills Reef Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 $24.95 Soft and easy peasy cherry squeezy on the nose and palate, this berry-bolstered pinot noir from of New Zealand’s iconic producers, is super-fresh, saucy, and frisky to sip.  There’s a hint of truffle and blueberry around the edges and a wallop of wild berries and a lick … Read More

8 Wired Wilder Peach Barrel-Aged Sour with Peaches

June 22, 2020By Yvonne

8 Wired Wilder Peach Barrel-Aged Sour with Peaches Paired with Balinese seafood curry Issue 92 dish magazine 2020 There’s so much complexity in this dish, yet with enough chilli to require ripeness, richness and fruit-forwardness enough to create a delicious mouthfeel experience.  Grab yourself the 8 Wired Wilder Peach Barrel-Aged Sour with Peaches (6 x … Read More

Hāhā Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019

June 21, 2020By Yvonne

Hāhā Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019 $13.99 Paired with Beef Massaman in dish magazine Issue 92 2020 Your wallet won’t even wince when you grab yourself a bottle of Hāhā Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2019 ($13.99) to pair with this dish.  Savoury, leathery, plum and blueberry notes abound, then a serious thwack (it’s a word) of acidity, … Read More

Bald Hills Kirameki Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018

June 21, 2020By Yvonne

Bald Hills Kirameki Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018 $30 I’m loving this classically-structured pinot gris, boosted with a burst of sweet green apple, pear and saturated with baking spices.  It’s crisp, crunchy-fresh and fanging with pear, nashi and aromatic apple notes.  “Kirameki” is a Japanese word that describes the rocks that shimmer and shine at … Read More