Julicher Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $45 It’s like inhaling the interior of a horse float, just after all the hay and other ‘stuff’ has been swept out. It’s leathery and sweaty and feral, yet underpinned with wild strawberry, cherry and a hint of rhubarb. Plush, plump and so incredibly smooth, it’s quite a gorgeous thing … Read More
Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013
Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013 $60 Lance Redgwell is a pinot master, and from his tiny, biodynamically-grown vineyard on the Martinborough terraces comes this juicy tsunami of black tea, Cherry Ripe bars, camphor, sandalwood, earthy leather notes and layers of mushroomy complexity merge with finely chiseled tannins to produce a slick yet succulent and … Read More
One Off Red Planet Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016
One Off Red Planet Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 $35 Winemaker to the stars, Rod McDonald has had a ‘thing’ for Martinborough pinot noir and finally, he’s managed to get his mitts on a perfect parcel of fruit to play with for his ‘One Off’ series. These are wines that are never repeated and in extremely … Read More
Second Family of Twelve Wine Tutorial Announced – Wine Professionals Enter Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26th November 2018 Second Family of Twelve Wine Tutorial Announced. Empowering leadership through enduring knowledge. After a terrific response to the first tutorial, the Family announces the second tutorial for next year. It will take place August 4-6, 2019, at Family winery Villa Maria’s Auckland estate. The purpose of wine tutorial is … Read More
Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017
Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 $29 Pinot Noir grown in Alexandra has its own personality and pluck. Dry Gully are totally dependable to produce solid, cheek-slappingly glorious pinot noir year after year. Intense cherry, tamarillo, tea leaf and rosehip tea all crash across the palate and leave a comet-tail of spice on the … Read More
Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017
Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2017 $21.99 Punchy and peppery right upfront then followed by juicy raspberry and cherry and light leathery, earthy notes on the palate. It’s a great introduction to good, affordable, Gimblett Gravels syrah and as soon as you’ve tasted it you’ll be hooked!
Montana Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2016
Montana Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $16.99 On the nose this chardonnay has creme brulee, Mackintosh’s ‘Harrogate’ and roast peach perfume, while on the palate it’s rich, decently structured and shows solid juiciness right through to the finish. It’s extremely gluggably good. Widely available.
Morton Estate Black Label Gisborne Chardonnay 2016
Morton Estate Black Label Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $19.99 So here’s where things get really tricky because Lion, (the company that sent me this wine to review) say that it’s recommended retail price (rrp) is $19.99. Yet when you Google this wine, some websites, like www.thegoodwine.co.nz say “rrp $34.99 – but our price $16.99”. www.blackmarket.co.nz have … Read More
Nautilus The Paper Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Nautilus The Paper Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $35 I’m a huge fan of this style of sauvignon blanc. I love that a ‘paper nautilus’ is only released when the fruit is exceptional (and 2016 was a rip roarer of a vintage) and I love that it’s been fermented in just one, single, old French … Read More
Osawa Flying Sheep Limited Release Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Osawa Flying Sheep Limited Release Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $35 Sealed under cork, this vintage is still holding solid acidity and freshness and tropical tones, yet the positively demure 11%alc kind of makes the wine feel a little meh and mediocre in the mid-palate. It’s ok but not great and for $35 I’d be … Read More