Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $37 This Pete Bartle-crafted number is definitely on the tamarillo and tea side and a lipsmacking line of spice and a fresh, frisky acidity. Owned by the Zurakowski family, Archangel’s vineyard is located in the tiny sub-region of Queensberry (a 15-minute drive south of Wanaka), and it’s fast becoming … Read More
Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017
Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017 $16.99 Here’s a fresh, feisty new tempranillo that oozes masses of dark cherry, cocoa, liquorice and dusty earthy notes on the nose and palate, but don’t be expecting a smooth, lazy sip, hell no. It’s a muscular, sinewy sip that takes no prisoners on the texture front, so expect … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Final Regional Newspapers Wine Column Saturday 15th Sept 2018
I set my alarm for 4am to begin writing this column. That’s when my house is quiet and calm and no one is yelling at me to help find their socks/tie/glasses/sports gear/keys and cellphones. It’s when I can just tap away on my computer, turning notes from the previous week into something semi-readable and when … Read More
Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016
Ogier Héritages Côtes du Rhône 2016 $16.50-$18 A blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre from the south of France that’s gentle, savoury and has attractive cherry and leather layers, dusty tannins and grainy, textural feels on the finish. www.regionalwines.co.nz
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2016 $25 This certified organic, vegan-friendly pinot noir is deceptively light in that colour-wise, it’s like a notch above a rosé in terms of depth and darkness, yet the aromatics and flavours that unveil themselves are surprising. Dried herbs, wild cherry and berry tea notes wash across the palate, leaving a … Read More
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.50 Aromas of watercress, lemongrass, passionfruit, white peach, lemonade lusciousness. Crisp, solid acidity, lip-puckering texture, brisk herbaceous layers. Love it.
Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015
Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015 $31.50 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this is how classic Bordeaux-style reds are composed. Aromatically this wine is mindblowingly elegant and hearty at the same time. I love the lithe, slippery texture, peppery mid-palate and marathon-like length of flavour. Gorgeous.
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Pencarrow Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $12.99 (Advintage.co.nz) Classic herbaceous nose, bruised basil and bouquet garni notes merge with lemon pith and passionfruity flavours, juicy citrus and lashings of cut grass goodness on the palate. Suitably squinty acidity adds length to the finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser. www.palliser.co.nz
Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Peregrine Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $27 Brand new from the quite frankly, unfairly talented team at Peregrine, comes this elegantly structured yet rock solid sauvignon blanc that’s stacked with citrus, capsicum, fennel and white pepper on the nose. Prepare your palate for passionfruit, lemon and lime leaf notes. and a super-fresh and frisky finish. Great … Read More
Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Richmond Plains Organic Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22 Grown in the gloriously weedy, certified organic vineyard owned and lovingly tended by Lars and Sam Jensen, the Richmond Plains sauvignon is nothing short of a Nelson icon. Aromatically it sings with lemon blossom, red capsicum, sugar snap pea and lime notes. Racy acidity, boatloads of florals … Read More