Named by owner Greg Hay after Wet Jacket Arm in Fiordland National Park, it harks back to nature always having the upper hand. Well the grape gods were smiling on the fruit for this vintage, because its intensely luscious forest floor aromas burst out of the glass and do macarena with cherry, raspberry liquorice, redcurrant … Read More
Thomas Goss McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 $18.99
Boasting more bling on its grill than Lil Wayne or Lil Bow Wow, or in fact any of the “Lil’s”, this shiraz has clearly shown it’s at the top of its game as far as wine competitions are concerned. Inky dark, glossy in the glass and bursting with boysenberry and blackcurrant characters on the nose … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday May 5th 2018
Think of today as a Tri Nations taste-fest on the sideline of wine. Aussie shiraz, South African chenin and Central Otago pinot compete with bling, bushvines and bursts of flavour. Thomas Goss McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 $18.99 Boasting more bling on its grill than Lil Wayne or Lil Bow Wow, or in fact any … Read More
Eight Ranges Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $38
Brian Biggs has enlisted the legendary Matt Connell to craft this softly spiced, cherry cola scented sip. Clean, precise, showing classic red fruits, a hint of cocoa, leafy notes and lovely, silky layers on the finish.
Maison Saint AIX Vin de Provence 2017 $26.99 (5 stars)
Such a beautiful, ballet shoe pink colour, this is quite the most glorious rose I’ve tasted in ages. Classic crunchy-crisp and dry, it’s a true Provence style in that it’s beautifully aromatic, and saturated with cherry and raspberry notes, and spruiking loads of spice. It’s fresh, frisky and fabulous to drink. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Summerhouse Marlborough Verdelho 2016 (4 stars)
Finding great verdelho is as awesome as finding cold chicken in the fridge. It’s a very satisfying thing, yet a very rare one here in NZ, with only 4 companies that I know of growing it. Historically verdelho was used to make Madeira, but it’s found a new talent as a table wine. Exotically perfumed … Read More
Renato Estate Nelson Pinot Noir 2016 $25.90 (4 stars)
The grape gods must have been smiling on Renat Nussbaumer and his tiny Nelson vineyard in 2016. The fruit ripened beautifully, giving wine that roars with spiciness and the acidity is zesty-fresh and feisty. I get some soy and black tea amongst the usual cherry-suspects. www.renatoestate.co.nz
Bald Hills Last Light Central Otago Riesling 2010 $28 (5 stars)
How awesome is this wine! I’ll tell you how. Maturing beautifully, this is a superb example of how dry riesling should be standing the test of time. Pure, precise citrus elements shine through creating an intensely clean wave of flavour across the palate and zingy acidity compliments the classic honeysuckle, hints of mandarin, racy lime … Read More
Giesen The Brothers Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 $19.99 (4 stars)
Chardonnay lovers ahoy! This new vintage of a Marlborough favourite, is heaving with fresh, toasty oak that wraps itself around the core of grapefruit, pineapple and peach perfectly, just like one of those ballerina cardigans. Fresh, generously tropical, bursting with character and has a sexy, caramelized spice note to the finish. Yum!! www.vinofino.co.nz
Yvonne Lorkin wine column for week beginning Sat 28th April 2018
I love to share my thoughts on how a wine tastes and I can rattle off things like ‘this wine has delicious plum/peach or berry flavours – yadda yadda. However because of that, people tend to ask me “Yvonne, how and when do the winemakers add the plums/berries/peaches to the wine?” and the answer … Read More