Gibbston Valley School House Central Otago Pinot Gris 2019 $39 I have been literally hopping from foot to foot waiting for this new vintage to be let out the gate from the good folk at Gibbston Valley – and believe me the wait was worth wearing holes in my shoes and the double knee replacement. … Read More
Uncategorized
Kennedy Point Organic Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018
Kennedy Point Organic Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 $29 I love the way the pohutukawa trees on the label look as though they’re dancing a tango. Very apt considering the meaty, gravy-boat notes in this organic, Bridge Pa-grown glass of goodness tend to sashay across the palate rather perfectly. Determined to preserve its original character, winemaker … Read More
Fifth Bridge Central Otago Rose 2018
Fifth Bridge Central Otago Rose 2018 $19 Pop this pinot noir-based rosé in the fridge immediately! Leave it for 40mins or so and then relish the raspberry, strawberry, cherry, indeed ‘every berry’ that’ll irrigate your olfactory passages. That slight chill accentuates the acidity and hints of savoury spice that pinot noir is famous for while … Read More
Pask Declaration Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2014
Pask Declaration Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2014 $50 (release date tbc) 2014 had Ronald McDonald-sized shoes to fill seeing as 2013 was hailed as ‘the vintage of the century’ by Hawke’s Bay winemakers, yet this new vintage is sneaking up in spectacular fashion. More elegant in its approach, the core is of blueberry, leather, a click … Read More
Ash Ridge Premium Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2018
Ash Ridge Premium Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2018 $32 SUCH a pretty ruby-garnet colour and heaving with lifted raspberry, boysenberry, blueberry, oh what the heck, every berry! There’s a solid, savoury line through this local version of a Bordeaux classic, of an Argentinean champion, and I love the leather and suede textures that come with that. … Read More
Massey Dacta Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019
Massey Dacta Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 $18 Finding great pinot noir for under thirty bucks isn’t that easy to do, so finding a good-as-gold example roaring in at under twenty is cause for celebration! Crafted by past chair of the Pinot Noir Celebration (that’s how dedicated he is to pinot noir!), it’s named after the … Read More
MKIII Zephyr Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
MKIII Zephyr Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $33.99 Named after the Mark III Ford of the same brand, a sleek, 15ft long vehicle that made up for its lack of legroom with lashings of ladykilling style. Such a fan is winemaker Ben Glover of this motor, that he named his own, limited edition sauvignon blanc after … Read More
Zephyr Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Zephyr Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $22 If you’re looking for a womp-bop-a-loo-bop, tutti-frutti, my boy lollipop sauvigon blanc, then you’re on the wrong karaoke mic my friend, because this bottle of Ben Glover-grown gorgeousness is on the saucy but subtle side. Think lemongrass, baby basil, pea pods and lemon zest, it’s acidity has just the … Read More
Zephyr Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019
Zephyr Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019 $23 With its soft, rose-gold hue, quince, 5-spice and fresh pear aromatics and its zesty, perky mid-palate, it’s a beautifully balanced, fresh and frisky style of pinot gris that’ll have the whole table buzzing from the first pour (that’s if you’re up for sharing it). Clean, perky and heaving with … Read More
Matahiwi Holly Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Matahiwi Holly Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $22 (normally $31.99) As soon as the cap comes off the bottle and you begin to pour this into your glass, you’re hit with a cloud of concentrated stonefruit cuddled in buttered crumpets and toasted almonds. It’s a lovely wine with fresh, buoyant acidity, creamy, nougat-like complexity, a solid … Read More