If someone held a gun to your head and demanded you name one of New Zealand’s most highly awarded sauvignon blanc’s or it’s curtains – then best you whip out Wairau Reserve. The current release is a cracker. Lemongrass, passionfruit, zesty citrus, sugarsnap pea, white pepper and capsicum characters lead to a luscious, lime-induced glass … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat March 17 2018
My eldest daughter turned 18 recently and I had the notion that maybe we’d each enjoy a glass of something glamourous to celebrate. We were now both grown up ladies after all. I splashed out on Champagne, popped it in the fridge and asked her later that day if she’d like to have a glass. … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Ridge Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $62 (4.5 stars)
This is a sleeping giant of a wine, newly released and stirring slowly. I love the ruby colour and aromas of blackberry bush, rosehip tea, wild cherry and cocoa. To drink, it’s gently unfurling, revealing forest floor and leafy lushness. Crushed red currants, violets and baking spices on the palate lead to vibrant, agile tannins … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $56.99 (5 stars)
Fact. Clayvin is the most famous pinot noir vineyard in the country and it’s now lovingly looked after by Marcel Giesen. Perfumed with red rose, fresh-cut tamarillo, red cherry, wild-grown herbs and a hint of pepper, this is sultry elegance personified. The feeling I get tasting this wine is very similar to how I feel … Read More
Sartori di Verona Erfo Brut NV $22 (4 stars)
In the late 1800’s Sartori’s trattoria was the place to frequent if you were a merchant, trader or weary traveller hunting for hearty food, good wine and a comfy place to camp. As the family concentrated more on wine, hospitality remained their focus, which is why their prosecco’s are especially friendly. Wild apple and acacia … Read More
Tamellini Soave DOC Costeggiola 2016 $25 (4 stars)
100% garganega (gar-gar-nay-gah) grapes have been used to tizzy together this stunningly fresh, medium bodied, citrus-saturated white wine from the appellation of Soave (soh-ah-vay). I love the luscious lemongrassy layers, white pepper, rich, chalky characters and it’s marathon-like finish. I also love that every sip is like hanging on to the last of summer. Great … Read More
Ash Ridge Premium Cabernet Merlot 2016 $31 (4 stars)
From what’s fast becoming known as a very elegant vintage in Hawke’s Bay, comes a cabernet dominant blend that reflects the iron-rich, red gravels of the Bridge Pa triangle beautifully. Made by the super-talented Lauren Swift, this bold, spicy blend has hefty red fruited aromatics, hints of smoke and soy and boasts a long, stylishly … Read More
Summerhouse Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 $19.99
Summerhouse is a family-owned company that harnesses the talents of legendary Master of Wine, Sam Harrop to create wines that were until recently only available overseas. Sourced from the Taylor Pass in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this gris has punchy pear and juicy peach flavours, smashed together with crunchy apple and spicy quince characters to create … Read More
Eradus Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2016 $18.00
Marlborough’s Awatere Valley injects its own distinctly floral element into all the wines which come from it. This rich, spicy, super-succulent pinot gris has quince, baked apple and banging acidity on the palate. It’s a gris that’ll hit that honeyed, citrus spot and brings in a classic edge of pear, white peach and pepper, which … Read More
Grove Mill Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2013 $18.00
Gewurz-hounds ahoy! If you go gaga for classic lychee-soaked, ginger-kissed, peach-packed gewürztraminer, then this little gem will have you swooning. Especially when you find out it’s almost all gone and we’ve managed to nab a sneaky stash just for us. The perfume is exotic, the fruit sweet and tangy, and it feels mouthwatering and silky … Read More