Māori Point Fumé Central Otago Pinot Gris 2020 $38 Barrel fermented pinot gris isn’t the most common style, yet this limited-release, dry style of Pinot Gris that’s been hand harvested and trod by foot to accentuate skin contact time, something important for textural complexity, colour and depth. Wild fermented, with 20% going into French oak … Read More
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Māori Point Barrel Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosè 2021
Māori Point Barrel Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosè 2021 $39 If you’re looking for a bright, fruity, lightly-styled rosé then pull over, indicate right and do a u-turn because this complex, multi-textural, slightly smoky rosé will take you in a different direction entirely. Winemaker Matt Evans has fashioned this from 100% hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes … Read More
Te Kano Central Otago Chardonnay 2021
Te Kano Central Otago Chardonnay 2021 $38 Te Kano translates to ‘the seed’ in Te Reo Māori, and one thing, as soon as you sip this, will become blindingly clear. And it’s not just that oxymoron. It’s that Te Kano are becoming masters at crafting delicious examples of wines which are not expected to do … Read More
Diegale Chaver Chardonnay Vermentino Toscana IGT 2018
Diegale Chaver Chardonnay Vermentino Toscana IGT 2018 $26.20 Where have blends of chardonnay and vermentino been all my life? From Tuscany comes this vibrant and lively melange of stonefruit-centric chardonnay and the crisp apple and nutty notes of vermentino – and it’s a super interesting white wine that’s seriously food-friendly. The textures have cling and … Read More
Diegale Rossoscuro Rosso Toscana IGT 2015
Diegale Rossoscuro Rosso Toscana IGT 2015 $31 This blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah and 15% Grenache unleashes a smoky, savoury impression, with white pepper, a whisper of Brettanomyces funk that cloaks prune and baked cherry notes. The acidity is fresh and feisty, the tannins powdery and the finish is long and persistent. CSI Wines
Zurbal Rioja Blanco 2020
Zurbal Rioja Blanco 2020 $23.10 Crafted from 100% viura grapes, this attractively straw-coloured white from Briones is lusciously lemony and loaded with personality. Briones is a walled, medieval town located atop a hill at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level and situated in the centre of La Rioja. It’s clean and bright and … Read More
Zorzettig Friuli Merlot 2019
Zorzettig Friuli Merlot 2019 $26.10 Italian merlot is not a common thing, but after tasting this, I wish it was! Juicy and cherry-driven, its a gentle, berry and plum-packed example with mid-palate smoothness and sweetness, a spicy edge and softly structured length of flavour. CSI Wines NZ
Kokako Farms Ohiti Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014
Kokako Farms Ohiti Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2014 $30 While Hawke’s Bay syrah fans are geeking out over the Gimblett Gravels, I’m quietly having an Ohiti house party over here in Lorkinland. Winegrower Bruce Nimon is obsessed with finding great soils, and in between a cow paddock and an old stockman’s station is a little … Read More
Te Kano Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019
Te Kano Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 $49 Paired with: Slow Baked Mushrooms by Annabel Langbein in Canvas Magazine NZ Herald July 16 2022 I’ll be honest. There are some weeks when I’m literally just a slow-baked mushroom away from performing seppuku on myself over the state of things. Yet what soothes my … Read More
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $22 Basil, lemongrass, elderflower, lemon verbena and punchy passionfruit make this wine a characterful sauvignon blanc indeed. Crafted from fruit grown in the Wairau and Waihopai Valley’s, it’s bright, crunchy, refreshing and rolling across the tongue and gums nicely. Bright, citrus-led and rather lovely. Ant Moore Wines