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
Seresin Chiaroscuro Marlborough Pinot Gris/Riesling/Chardonnay 2012 $43.00
Named after an ancient artistic term to describe the contrast of light and dark, in the 2012 Chiaroscuro, Seresin’s winemakers have created something altogether mesmeric. A blend of three co-fermented (where different grapes are crushed, juiced and fermented together) parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, it shows enticing, mineral-driven aromas with hints of toasted … Read More
Expatrius Advenus Waiheke Sauvignon/Viognier 2013 $39.50
Sauvignon blanc blended with viognier? Get out of the CBD! Yet Luc Desbonnet is a winemaker without boundaries, just a desire to create gorgeous white wine styles. I think he’s onto something with this quirky combo. The juice of both varieties is fermented in a combo of tanks and in new oak barrels to create … Read More
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2014 $50.00
In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid mostly) to restore the vines and get the decrepit, but legendary winery back up to scratch. It’s clearly worked. There’s a bold, fleshy plum and cocoa character to this wine, complete with grippy tannins, smoky warmth … Read More
Crossroads Winemakers Collection Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2012 $42.99
You don’t scoop Gold medals and trophies at international competitions just by turning up do you? If you’re this cracker of a Bordeaux blend crafted by the legendary Miles Dineen, you opt to crash across the palate and make a monster of an impression. Bold, savoury black olive, soy and dark berry flavour concentration leads … Read More
Kalleske Pirathon Barossa Shiraz 2014 $39.99
Pirathon happens to be an ancient word used to describe a peak or pinnacle and that’s exactly what the team at Kalleske feel they have here. Shiraz is the Barossa’s best grape and Kalleske’s growers up in the Greenock, Moppa, Belvedere, Stonewell, Seppeltsfield, Koonunga and Ebenezer districts of the North West are the best there … Read More
Unison Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2013 $55.00
Tucked away down a long, olive-lined shingle driveway in the middle of the Gimblett Gravels is a tiny winery where Unison’s owner Philip Horn and winemaker Jenny Dobson toil tirelessly to create some of Hawke’s Bay’s most sought after reds. This syrah hails from “the vintage of the century” according to the locals, and it’s … Read More
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $44.99
Sonoma County should be called Cabernet County in my eyes, since it insists on churning out exceptionally earthy, concentrated cabernet like this. Kendall-Jackson are one of the most highly respected producers across the entire California coast and they have a signature cocoa, vanilla, smoky tone to their reds which work stunningly well with the powdery, … Read More
Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $45.00
Don’t fret if you’re staring at this wine thinking it’s a little less glossy than others. Be happy because winemakers Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer, haven’t fined or filtered it, opting instead to keep the wine in its pure authenic state. A state of black tea, cherry and mixed spice intensity. The palate is tightrope … Read More
Toi Toi Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012 $45.50
There’s an expectation out there, and I’m not sure why, that all Central Otago pinot noir has to be inky dark and OTT. This is a deliciously silky, subtle and beautifully balanced example sourced from the arrid slopes of Lowburn. I love the lift of 5-spice, cherry and dried herbs that collide with succulent, juicy … Read More