Nautilus Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $23 If you were an invader from outer space holding a deadly piece of artillery to my face and demanding to be told what was the best sauvignon blanc in the country in 5 seconds or be incinerated – (hey, far-fetched, but freakier things have happened at sea) – … Read More
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Junction Red Card Central Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015
Junction Red Card Central Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $19 Four years on from harvest and this little chardonnay is still going strong. Lighter to medium-styled, it’s leaning into the creamy, cashew-like end of the spectrum, yet still showing peach and hints of citrus in the background. Soft, juicy and very easy to sip, it’s a … Read More
Opawa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Opawa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $20 Named after the Opawa River whose flow shaped the vineyard soil profile (and a local, native wetland area), the team at Nautilus Wines (led by Brett Birmingham) have designed this range of wines to bring real personality and value to lovers of Marlborough wines. Being part of the AMW … Read More
Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018
Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 $30 The good folk at Misha’s Vineyard have explained that a ‘Cantata’ is taken from the Italian word ‘cantere’, which means ‘to sing’. It’s a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment apparently, and rather more complex than “I Wanna Be Sedated” (which was a great song by … Read More
Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon 2018
Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon 2018 ($29) Paired with Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Nicoise Salad in Canvas Sat Dec 7th 2019 No sooner had I read this recipe, I hurtled to the supermarket to get the ingredients because I had the perfect wine. The Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon … Read More
Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019
Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019 ($18.50) Paired with Chickpea and Eggplant Salad – Canvas Sat Dec 7th 2019 Pair the earthy awesomeness of this vegan dish with a wine real vavoom. The Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019 ($18.50) is crafted from the Italian clone of pinot gris, known as … Read More
Nautilus Estate Marlborough Albariño 2019
Nautilus Estate Marlborough Albariño 2019 ($29) Paired with Gazpacho by Annabel Langbein Canvas Dec 7th 2019 One of the greatest food and wine combos to ever occur is that of this superlatively lovely Spanish soup and a sip or seven of Spain’s signature white wine, albariño. Happily, Clive Jones and his scarily talented team in … Read More
Dunstan Road Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014
Dunstan Road Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $35-$40 From beside the famous ‘Rail Trail’ comes a pinot noir that’s plush and lush and stitched together with spiced cherry and soused plum flavours. Five years on from harvest and the acidity is still holding strong, yet the tannins are soft and dusty and velvety. It’s … Read More
Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016
Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $30 Pete Bartle is a winemaker that stamps his signature on everything he touches, meaning if it’s pinot gris – it’s gonna be worth getting his autograph for sure! After three years in the bottle, 2016 is really hitting its straps, texturally it’s dry and has that pear-skin … Read More
Kereru Brewing Fab-Yule-Ous Fig and Pohutukawa Honey Golden Ale
Kereru Brewing Fab-Yule-Ous Fig and Pohutukawa Honey Golden Ale (500ml $11.99 5%abv) This festive brew hits that sweet spot between rich, heady, Belgian malted magic, with fresh honeycomb and toffee-brittle notes, alongside fresh hop and fruity, peachy perfection. Hints of Christmas pudding spice and figgy layers sneak through, making it a beautifully balanced brew that’s … Read More