Earnscleugh Valley sits half way between Alexandra and Clyde and it’s like a riesling nirvana. The label is a tad old school (but we hear a new design is in the works) but don’t let that stop you from appreciating its lovely pale colour and sneakily subtle, lemon and lime aromas. Yet it’s the juicy … Read More
Bannock Brae Dry Central Otago Riesling 2016 $22.00
Catherine and Crawford Brown are best known for their intensely bold and succulent pinot noir. However when I discovered this little pearla of a riesling, I was completely seduced. Only tiny amounts are made of this incredibly bright, shiny riesling which bursts with crystalline lime, squeaky, silica-dusted green apple and a sexy little line of … Read More
Ka Tahi Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $19.99
There’s a bucketload of roast peach and ripe apricot on the nose of this big, bold and juicy chardonnay. With butterscotch aplenty, hints of grilled grapefruit, a solid seam of buttered toast and cinnamon, it really does feel like the gift that doesn’t stop giving. I say that because the finish is ultra-long and creamy … Read More
Theory & Practice Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $21.95
Crafted by wine consultant to the stars, Ant Mackenzie and his viticulturist brother Bryce, this is a cracker of a chardonnay that’s jam-packed with punchy peach, juicy tropical fruit and gorgeous grilled citrus notes. It also boasts caramelised, toasty characters all edged with creamy, custard square pastry-like notes. It hits that sweet spot between ‘balanced … Read More
Cottier Estate Emily Gladstone Chardonnay 2015 $21.50
Chardonnay from the Wairarapa is one of my favourite things because it’s just so versatile. This is one of those styles that hits the middle of the lane where the stonefruit and citrus has a roasted, toasted nature to it and there’s a distinct nutty note on the finish. Yet it’s not weighed down by … Read More
Brightwater Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $20.00
Nelson might be claiming fame as the ‘aromatics capital’ of the country, but Garry and Valley Neale at Brightwater are determined their sauvignon blanc isn’t ignored. They don’t need to worry. I love the bright, lemony and floral flavours that leap from the glass and there’s classic elderflower and passionfruit for Africa. Tangy, generous and … Read More
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.95
How pretty is this label? Almost as pretty as the gorgeous, organically produced, passionfruit fest inside the bottle I reckon. Incredibly tropical and herbaceous, this sauvignon is super sexy and erupts with pea pod, rubbed basil, lemonade and lime curd notes all over the place. Ant Moore is serious talent when it comes to winemaking … Read More
JK.14 Tre Fratelli DOC Treviso Prosecco NV $24.99
JK.14 Tre Fratelli DOC Treviso Prosecco NV $24.99 Crafted by the Bartholomiol brothers in conjunction with importer John Kirwan, this spritely prosecco has super-pale colour, teeny tiny bubbles in the glass and complex, unusual aromas that are slightly salty, almost creamy and totally suit its dry, chalky character. In the mouth the texture has all … Read More
Leveret IQ Premium Brut NV Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle NV $16.95
No holds barred, this is absolutely one of my favourite ways to get fizzicle. ‘IQ’ means ‘improving quietly’ and this bold, biscuity, creamy, cashew-laden bubbly has been doing just that, aging on its yeast lees for 7 years to develop these delicate smoky notes, white peach, lemon shortbread and a long, luscious texture. Crafted by … Read More
Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Mendoza Malbec 2013 $43.00
I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this little bit of magic from Mendoza. It’s deliciously balanced and juicy and I love the layers of liquorice, wild pork and pepper and I also just love love love the label! It … Read More