Abel Tasman Nelson Chardonnay 2018 $28 Well I’ll be darned. Mark and Sophie McGill are proven gurus when it comes to making great quality cider. That’s their background, that’s their strength. They should stick with that right? So why did they decide to segway from apples to grapes? Who knows. But I’m pleased they did … Read More
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Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $23.99 Of all the fat and sassy’s, I think the shiny, new 2019 vintage could very well be the plumpest and cheekiest and goldenest of them all. Tony says he’s keeping it fat with lots of lees work, full malo and quality ripe fruit sourced mostly … Read More
Hunter’s Home Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Hunter’s Home Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($30) They might be one of Marlborough (nay, New Zealand’s) oldest and most successful wine companies, but it’s taken them until now to declare an ‘icon’ release sauvignon blanc. Their young winemaker, James Macdonald has been fizzing at the bung to test what’s possible with sauvignon blanc, whilst … Read More
Matahiwi Wild Holly Pinot Noir 2019 $45
Matahiwi Wild Holly Pinot Noir 2019 $45 (to be released) Crafted by winemaker Ben McNab, this new vintage of the ‘Wild Holly’ is a step off the footpath and into the rugged, tufty, terrain on the outside of the norm. Whole clusters of hand-harvested berries were sorted, gently transferred to an open-top fermenter, then punched-down … Read More
Te Awanga Estate Mister Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Te Awanga Estate Mister Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $21.99 Word on the street is that 2019 was a cracker of a year in Hawke’s Bay for chardonnay and this little Rod McDonald creation definitely doesn’t let the side down. It’s a seriously sippable, grin-inducing burst of nectarine, lemon zest, creamy almond and brulee notes. There’s … Read More
747 Estate Mendoza Selection Chabis Style Gisborne Chardonnay 2017
747 Estate Mendoza Selection Chablis Style Gisborne Chardonnay 2017 $24 It doesn’t say so on the label (which has got to be one of the ugliest I’ve ever seen), the 747 Estate is a brand produced by Gisborne chardonnay pioneer Denis Irwin. Who I was expecting more from to be honest. Ugly, lazy label and … Read More
Lowburn Ferry Homeblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017
Lowburn Ferry Homeblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 $70 Grown on land that was farmed for over 160 years meant these grapes benefitted from soils rich in organic matter and good old dirt development – very unusual for the mostly glacial, loess soils of Central Otago. The grapes are packed with flavour, flirtiness and spice … Read More
Summer Sault Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 $25
Summer Sault Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 $25 Produced by the Plowman family of Waiana Estate from 100% cinsault grapes grown in the Tuki Tuki Valley, this Provence-style rosé has been shepherded into the bottle by the freakishly talented Dave McKee of Black Barn fame. Boasting a demurely pale, rose-gold, coral and apricot colour, hints of … Read More
Spy Valley Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012
Spy Valley Echelon Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012 $36.99 I was completely seduced by the tiny, fine bead inside the glass, white gold, glossy, aromas of rising dough, crusty bread, caramelised character and richly structured. Full, generous, incredibly elegant and finely structured in the mouth. So stylish, textural and incredibly satisfying. www.spyvalleywine.co.nz
Brown Brother’s King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011
Brown Brother’s Patricia King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011 $40 Showing gorgeous maturity and caramelised, biscuity complexity, nutty notes and crisp acidity and very pretty length of flavour. Smooth, seductive and drinking beautifully.