Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $45 It’s been a long time between Orchard Block pinots with the last one being back in 2017! The western boundary of this, (the most sheltered part of the vineyard), is an orchard of cider apple trees and the handpicked fruit is fermented in a small … Read More
Uncategorized
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021 $39 2021 was a sensational year for Gimblett Gravels syrah due to it being cool, even and dry. Remember dry summers? Ah the memories. Each sniff erupts with classic florals and defined blueberry and black pepper notes which provide a ladder climbing down to a spice-saturated palate edged with … Read More
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019
Pegasus Bay VIRTUOSO Chardonnay 2019 $65 I love the way this wine smells of popcorn, bacon, grilled grapefruit and roasted peaches drizzled in vanilla and butterscotch sauce. It’s so fresh, energetic and vibrantly nutty. A Virtuoso chardonnay is only attempted in exceptional years, from a selection of Mat Donaldson’s best barrels produced from fruit grown … Read More
Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 & 2019
It was a real treat to taste a mini-vertical of a pinot noir that I’ve been a fan of for many years. Phil Handford from Grasshopper Rock sent me a bottle each of his 2013 and 2019 for comparison (and fun) and it was super interesting seeing how an extra six years vine age, tiny … Read More
Elephant Hill Stone Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019
Elephant Hill Stone Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2019 $60 Just 110 cases were produced of this superb syrah grown in the deep, stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels district (hence the ‘stone’ title) from a vintage that’s fast becoming known as one of the 21st-century greats in Hawke’s Bay. Seductive aromas of peppercorn, violets, red apple … Read More
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022
Le Grá Wairarapa Pinot Rosé 2022 $38 A refreshingly spritzy style of rosé that roars with watermelon, crabapple and succulent salinity. Crunchy-crisp and mineral-drenched, it’s laced with soft herb and rhubarb notes and has a long, zesty finish. Nice work from one of Wairarapa’s smallest wineries. (Extra for Experts) Look out for some interesting new … Read More
Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade 2022 Gin $75
Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade 2022 Gin $75 Every year Kate and David, the husband and wife duo behind one of the world’s most exciting gin distilleries, craft a gin in homage to the annual Hastings Blossom Parade, a celebration of Spring and the excitement of a new fruit harvest for the orchard-centric region. Organic botanicals … Read More
Hastings Distillers Autumn Gin 2023
Hastings Distillers Autumn Gin 2023 40% 500ml $85 Just 450 bottles were created of this intensely perfumed and totally unique, limited edition gin from one of our favourite artisanal distillers. Crafted using nine organic botanicals, I love the poached quince, fresh juniper and soft tangelo and tarragon notes that form a warming, soothing, sweetly luscious … Read More
Carrick Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021
Carrick Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 $65 Grown across the road from the Carrick winery, the 10/5 clone, own-rooted vines responsible for this new addition to Carrick’s stable, are 25 years old and really starting to hit their straps. Handpicked, wild-fermented and left on skins for almost 4 weeks before spending 9 … Read More
Carrick Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Carrick Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 $28 If you’ve been hunting high and low, hither and yon for a rosé that’s bone dry but generously ‘big boned’ then you’ve come to the right cul de sac my friend. Crafted from organically grown, Bannockburn pinot noir that’s been handpicked, gently pressed, separated from its … Read More