Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Malbec 2018 $24.95 Shiny and new from the Mills Reef crew (love me a wine rhyme) is this cracking blend of 61% merlot and 39% malbec from Hawke’s Bay’s superstar Gimblett Gravels sub-region. Cold-soaked for 5 days after being gently crushed has maximised extraction of colour and texture from … Read More
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Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $23 This is one of my absolute favourite new release chardonnays from Hawke’s Bay. Grown in the limestone-rich soils behind Te Mata peak, on the Waimarama Road, it’s a succulent, citrus-soaked style that shows skilled use of oak and great attention to detail. Grapefruit, pineapple and peachy punchiness on … Read More
Podere dell’Anselmo Terre di Bracciatica 2018
Podere dell’Anselmo Terre di Bracciatica 2018 $39.99 Well, well, well, if it isn’t my old friend malvasia bianca. Previous vintages of this wine have been blended with trebbiano, but this is 100% MB, baby. Huge lemony notes mean it’s rather chardonnay-like up front, yet there’s a vanilla and briôche note bursting through onto the mid-palate … Read More
Eaton Thistle Hill Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Eaton Thistle Hill Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $48 The Hickman family have been growing grapes on their farm ‘Taimate’ since 2006, and their sauvignon has been singled out by winemaker Mike Eaton as being ‘so good, it deserves ‘single vineyard’ status.’ Delicately hand-harvested, the whole bunches are gently squashed in a traditional basket-press … Read More
La Vedetta Swanti Barbaresco 2018
La Vedetta Swanti Barbaresco 2018 $35.90 A savoury, juicy, slightly peppery blend of 85% nebbiolo and 15% freisa (a lesser-known red grape) from Barbaresco in the Langhe region, that will definitely appeal to those who like an earthy yet tart style of red. Aged in stainless steel, the fruit notes (cherry, raspberry, cranberry) are firm … Read More
Le Filigare Chianti Classico 2016
Le Filigare Chianti Classico 2016 $33.10 This Tuscan blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino creates a vibrant, zesty, smashable red wine stitched together with leather, hints of tobacco and espresso characters. Silky, soft and very very easy to drink. http://www.csiwinesnz.com
Castello Monterinaldi Rosato 2018
Castello Monterinaldi Rosato 2018 $24.80 100% Tuscan sangiovese has been used to create this lovely fruit-forward rosé which erupts with cherry, raspberry, cranberry and spice notes. Fresh, frisky and fanging with flavour, it’s a beautifully balanced example that’ll win friends and influence people. http://www.csiwinesnz.com
La Vedetta Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2018
La Vedetta Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 $39.95 Located in a world heritage site in Barbaresco, this wine made from 100% nebbiolo, was fermented in stainless steel to capture the ultra-bright berryfruit, spices and bold cocoa characters. It’s a saucy, fresh and velvety-smooth to sip. Lightly styled but full of flavour, it’s a lovely introduction to … Read More
Castello Monterinaldi Chianti Classico 2016
Castello Monterinaldi Chianti Classico 2016 $32.25 The Castle of Monterinaldi settlement, in the commune of Radda in Chianti, in the heart of the oldest historical area of the Chianti Classico, is situated near an ancient Etruscan route and has been documented as far back as 1010. 1010! Organically-certified, the property’s 18 vineyards, winery, a nursery … Read More
Deep Down Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Deep Down Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $25 So on the front label, it says ‘certified organic’, ‘wild ferment’, ‘single vineyard’ and ‘vegan friendly’, however, that doesn’t really tell the whole story because this wine, (produced by Seresin alma mater Clive Dougall) is also all kinds of tasty. And that’s the most important thing right? Bursting … Read More