How brilliant to finally find an Arneis specialist here in New Zealand. Lucky for us, Franzi Grab is obsessed with this tricky little Italian number from the northern Piedmont region, which is nicknamed ‘Little Rascal’ due to it regularly having hissy fits in the vineyard and not playing by the rules. Certified organic, Franzi now … Read More
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Queensberry Gardens Central Otago Chenin Blanc 2018 $27.50 4stars
Chenin Blanc has the unmistakeable aroma of rose apple and citrus blossom and, while its spiritual home is in France’s Loire Valley, it’s absolutely found its happy place in the Queensberry sub-region of Central Otago. Grown by Dean and Diana Harker, their tiny Chenin Blanc vineyard turns out a crisp, floral, softly spiced and gently … Read More
Tohu Rewa Rosé Méthode Traditionnelle 2015 $40
This limited edition, pinot noir-based, vintage sparkler was created by the team from New Zealand’s most widely recognised 100% Maori-owned wine company, as a happy 20th birthday nod to no compromise. Collaborating with renown local artist Flox to design the label (and its gorgeous gift box), it features her vibrant, signature take on the native … Read More
Scout Wines Nelson Pinot Gris 2018 $30
It’s all about texture, texture, texture here in this organically-grown gris from Nelson’s alluvial Hope gravels. On the nose it shows green nectarine, mineral, quince and chalky notes that all osmose through onto the palate in a fresh, grigio-style example. Fresh, crunchy, lean, foot-stomped and fermented in a combination of tanks and old barrels, with … Read More
Amisfield Breakneck Reserve Pinot Noir 2016
Amisfield Breakneck Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 $80 Breakneck is made from just 10 barrels selected by Dr Stephanie Lambert and her winemaking team from their favourite clones from their Block 7 site. The wine is soft and sleepy to begin, then unveils a peacocks tail of red apple, red cherry, soft spices and chalky tannins. There’s … Read More
Framingham Select Marlborough Riesling 2017
Framingham Select Marlborough Riesling 2017 $34.99 The ‘select’ has a reputation for being a sweet sensation, however it’s a masterclass in achieving balance at it’s best. Pure apple, lime, lemon and mandarin flavours merge with superior precision due to focused acidity that on point. Beautifully crafted, refreshing and incredibly satisfying, it’s a young riesling destined … Read More
Hãhã Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016
Hãhã Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $29.99 Lift the lid off a teapot and sniff the emptiness. It smells lush and tannic, just like this wine. Tamarillo, wild cherry, earthy, plummy flavours merge with dried herb and toast. The finish is smooth, slightly meaty and moreish, and it carries long across the palate. Nicely made … Read More
Aorangi Road Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Aorangi Road Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $ The locals call the large boulders that litter the vineyards out west of Hastings in the Crownthorpe district, “Mangatahi Swedes” in a little jibe at their ‘Gimblett Gravels’ cousins closer to town. This sauvignon has a soft, lemongrass and bruised basil aroma, a dusting of white pepper … Read More
Montana Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2016
Montana Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $16.99 On the nose this chardonnay has creme brulee, Mackintosh’s ‘Harrogate’ and roast peach perfume, while on the palate it’s rich, decently structured and shows solid juiciness right through to the finish. It’s extremely gluggably good. Widely available.
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $32.99 So ripe, rumpty and ready for action this pinot noir is just itching to serve with any food that’s got a squeak of spice in it. It’s the intense cherry, clove, cocoa and berry bodaciousness that makes it so food friendly, while its softness and velvety structure makes … Read More