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
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Taylors Jaraman Clare Valley + Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $45 100% cabernet sauvignon here from old vines dating back to the mists of time. 1984 to be exact, so maybe not so misty then. anyhoo, first planted by Gimbett Gravels pioneer, Dr. Alan Limmer, these organically-grown vines thrive in the desert-scape of the ancient Ngaruroro riverbed, creating intensely … Read More
Foothill Groves Waitaki Riesling 2019
Foothill Groves Waitaki Riesling 2019 $28 Helen and Ian Dent might be the newest winemakers in the Waitaki Valley, but they’re crafting their riesling from the oldest vines in the region. Ian’s a machine operator at the local power station and Helen is an expert I.T number cruncher, and with rockstar riesling maker Grant Taylor … Read More