The Writer’s Block Gibbston Valley Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018 $29 (4stars) Crafted by Urbn Vino’s Brendan Seal, this gris has a full and frisky fragrance of baked apple, poached quince and hints of honeysuckle and stonefruit – all characters that wash across the palate, leaving an impression of richness on the finish (which also happens … Read More
Chardonnay Lovers Ahoy!
Chardonnay Comeback Oh chardonnay – it’s so lovely to see you back! A couple of decades ago New Zealand’s chardonnay-scape was almost a no-mans land. After the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) club had declared the bold, fat, super-oaky, buttery examples we’d been served since the 70’s decidedly unfashionable, it basically became the corduroy of wine. … Read More
Windrush Empire Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 $25
I was listening to “Jitterbug” by WHAM! when I first tasted this chardonnay by Callum Linklater and it definitely did make me want to do a happy dance. Bright, shiny and lighter, white-fruited style, chablis-like with a hint of funk and frisk. Nice texture and length. Dry and citrus-driven with a lick of white pepper … Read More
Mas de Daumas Moulin de Gassac Pont de Gassac 2017 $36
A fleshy-soft blend with cabernet at the helm, backed up by syrah, merlot and grenache, a blend that cuddles the gums and tongue in cashmere-like tannins and a cloak of bright boysenberry and plum fruit. It has cherry, baked beetroot and a lick of leather, plus fresh acidity keeps this dancing on the palate and … Read More
Mas de Daumas Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Syrah Grenache Carignan 2017 $21
Classic violet and sweet, spicy plum notes on the nose and palate – this is a slippery, slinky, succulent and supremely sippable blend of syrah, grenache and carignan from southern France that will absolutely have people knocking your door down. Pepper, hints of cocoa, leathery loveliness – good length of flavour too! www.planetwine.co.nz
Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Blanc 2017 $21
From the Pays D’Hérault comes this gloriously aromatic blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Terret which bursts with lemon blossom, fresh lime and heaping wads of fresh herbs. Light, zesty and wakes up even the most sluggish of your senses. Darn lovely – serve chilled to impress your friends over some fromage and focaccia. … Read More
Moulin de Gassac Viognier 2017 $22
Classic fresh-cut apricot aromatics, white nectarine, ripe peach and white pepper and loads of character coming through in this wine from southern France, an area extending from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain, which is now part of Occitani. The length of flavour is outstanding – clean, fresh and frolicksome. http://www.planetwine.co.nz
Moulin de Gassac Pont De Gassac Blanc 2017 $36
Looking for something lipsmackingly dry, apple-driven and crunchy-fresh? Then you’ve come to the correct cul de sac in the Moulin de Gassac. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and a squeak of Terret and Viognier from the village of Villeveyracin the Thau Lagoon area of the Languedoc – it’s like a charge of … Read More
Tua Marina Marlborough Arneis 2016 & 2017 $30
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
Black Estate Home North Canterbury Chenin Blanc 2017 $45 5stars
The Naish family planted chenin blanc on their ‘Home’ vineyard back in 2011, and the vines thrive under the baking Waipara sun and those wild Nor’Easter winds. This is the fourth vintage made by their winemaker, Nicholas Brown, an obsessive fan of wines from the Mid-Loire Valley in France (where chenin and cabernet franc are … Read More