Providore Central Otago Pinot noir 2017 $39 Winemaker Pete Bartle upsticked from his native Hawke’s Bay in 2001 for the bright lights of Central Otago and it’s been veni, vidi, vici for him ever since. Now one of the region’s most highly awarded winemakers, Pete’s decided that since he’s earned access to some of the … Read More
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Gibson Bridge Tasting Oct 2018
Gibson Bridge Estate Blend Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $38 This pinot gris is deeply golden in the glass, perhaps due to its age and also its partial barrel fermentation and the addition of 12% gewurztraminer already barrel fermented itself. On the nose it has nutty complexity, musky florals and spiced stonefruit characters. The acidity is fresh … Read More
Lamont Central Otago Chardonnay 2017
Lamont Central Otago Chardonnay 2017 $32 Winemaker Craig Gasson sourced superlatively good fruit from Sue and Andrew Penniket’s organic and dry-farmed Minaret Peaks vineyard down in Wanaka for this new release chardonnay. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed and fermented in a concrete egg fermenter, it erupts with sweet cashew, stonefruit and citrus on the nose and … Read More
Lamont Central Otago Riesling 2015
Lamont Central Otago Riesling 2015 $27 One thing you’ll understand as soon as you sip this ridiculously good riesling is ‘purity’. Sourced from Craig and Angela Gasson’s tiny Bendigo-based vineyard, this riesling is deliciously dry and does a darn good job of bringing squint-factor 50 to your face. Certified organic, the fruit was cool-fermented to … Read More
Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016
Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016 $16.50-$18 A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre from the south of France that’s gentle, savoury and has attractive cherry and leather layers, dusty tannins and grainy, textural feels on the finish. www.regionalwines.co.nz
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016 $25 This certified organic, vegan-friendly pinot noir is deceptively light in that colour-wise, it’s like a notch above a rosé in terms of depth and darkness, yet the aromatics and flavours that unveil themselves are surprising. Dried herbs, wild cherry and berry tea notes wash across the palate, leaving a … Read More
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.50 Aromas of watercress, lemongrass, passionfruit, white peach, lemonade lusciousness. Crisp, solid acidity, lip-puckering texture, brisk herbaceous layers. Love it.
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $12.99 (Advintage.co.nz) Classic herbaceous nose, bruised basil and bouquet garni notes merge with lemon pith and passionfruity flavours, juicy citrus and lashings of cut grass goodness on the palate. Suitably squinty acidity adds length to the finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser. www.palliser.co.nz
O:TU Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013
O:TU Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $24.99 Five years sleeping quietly in the bottle has awakened seriously sexy complexity in this sauvignon. Yellow diamond in the glass and erupting with smoky, dried herb notes, white pepper, lemongrass, marzipan and lime curd characters, it’s a generously proportioned sauvignon that has extensive length of flavour. Sauvignon Blanc … Read More
Johner Estate Sur Lie Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Johner Estate Sur Lie Gladstone Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $24 Extended time on its lees has given this wine lovely, creamy complexity that cuddles the crisp citrus and floral elements of this sauvignon. It’s an interesting style with some lovely peach and passionfruit pluckiness on the finish. www.johner-estate.com