Godello (pronounced God-Ay-Yo) means “small indulgence”, and I for one am totally treating myself to more than one bottle of this. Blended with a touch of Dona Blanca grapes, I love the aromas of apricot stone, lemon pith, crushed oyster shells and white peach. Sourced from the region of Bierzo in Northwest Spain, the bursts … Read More
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Wine column week commencing August 13th, 2016
SPANISH DRINKSQUISITION… There’s not much we don’t grow in New Zealand, except maybe pineapples, proper bananas and predators that will poison or maim you in seconds flat. Yet we have managed to grow into a lovely cultural crockpot, and in the last 20 years in particular, our vineyards have been helping foreigners put their roots … Read More
Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Chardonnay2015 $ ★★★★
Here’s a saucy chardonnay bursting with smoked pineapple, roast peach, caramelised characters, anise and white pepper. Using only ‘wild’ or indigenous yeasts in the ferment, can give a white wine more funk factor and greater complexity. So in the mid-palate of this wine there’s added layers of fresh, juicy acidity, hint’s of smoke and spice … Read More
Wine column for week beginning 1st Oct, 2016
Last week I was very fortunate to judge the Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay A&P Wine Awards. I love working at this event for three reasons, firstly there’s always excellent camaraderie and jolly japery amongst the judges who come from local climes and overseas. Secondly, it get’s me out of the house and out of the clutches … Read More
Wine column for week beginning 15 Oct, 2016
Increasing numbers of wineries around New Zealand are becoming Certified Sustainable operations. Essentially, complying with certification means they’ve adopted holistic programmes to manage their vineyard and winery practices in order to protect the environment while efficiently and economically producing the best wines they possibly can. But there’s always one kid that likes to build the … Read More
Wine column for week beginning Sat 22 Oct, 2016
The passing of Labour weekend is always a happy turning point of the year for me. It’s the start of beach season and by ‘beach’ I mean the husband starts looking for every opportunity to get the boat out. He’ll hunt around for lucky cray pot spots, drop a line or three in the hope … Read More
Neudorf Nelson Pinot Rose 2016 $25 (4 stars)
Isn’t it just the prettiest trout pink colour in the glass? The pinot noir for this dry and seriously spry rosé is grown on Moutere Clay soils (which produce wines with real spark and spice). Once a little squeak of colour from the skins is bled through the juice, 10% is fermented with indigenous yeasts … Read More
Wine column for week beginning Sat 29 Oct, 2016
Uses for leftover wine… It’s been bought to my attention that some people have been cursed with an affliction known as ‘leftover wine’ – and they don’t know what to do with it. This is something which to be honest, I’m not an authority on as it never happens in my house. But as wine … Read More
Pask Small Batch Sur Lie Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2013 $25 (4 stars)
Just 250 cases were made of this juicy, light, unoaked style of chardonnay designed to highlight and enhance the natural, clean, tropical and stonefruit flavours present in those gorgeous grapes. Extended time on its yeast lees has added a subtle layer of creaminess to the bold,grapefruity backbone of this wine. Creamy with Crayfish mornay… www.pask.co.nz
Black Estate Circuit Waipara Pinot Gris 2016 $24 (4 stars)
Tangy quince and japonica jelly notes on the nose lead to a fat, juicy, sassy apple and pear smashup in the mouth. It’s bursting with freshness, attitude and natural sweetness that’s balanced by racy, gum-numbing acidity. Thinking of demolishing some deliciously aged crumbly cheddar? This will be awesome. www.blackestate.co.nz