The man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the New Zealand wine industry, the man lovingly referred to as the high wizard of wine writing, the Gandalf of good grog-buying if you will, is Michael Cooper. And this week he’s released the 2018 Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines, the 25th edition. Twenty fifth! I think … Read More
Brennan Central Otago Trio 2016 ($29) (4 stars)
The Brennan family have been growing grapes in Gibbston since 1994, and I’m a huge fan of their blended whites, particularly when they contain a gorgeous 57% gewürztraminer, 35% racy riesling, and an 8% splash of muscat like this one. You get foxy florals, mandarin, lychee, rose petal, and lashings of lovely citrus in the … Read More
Dunnolly Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($18.99) (5 stars)
Absolutely banging citrus, passionfruit, basil, lemon, lime, sugar snap pea flavours abound in this new brand on the market. Made by winemaker Nicky Parish, it’s an ultra-tangy tropical tsunami of taste and it has stunning length of flavour. For stockists near you email: winemaker@donnelly.co.nz
Hunter’s Unoaked Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $18.99 (4 stars)
It’s funny how if you put the word ‘un’ in front of something, people assume it’s going to be somehow lacking. They’ll have to eat their hats, however, because this heavenly little creature from Hunters hits all the right spots. Juicy nectarine and grapefruity goodness on the nose leads to layers of lemon and peach … Read More
Bellbird Spring Waipara Pinot Noir Rosé 2017 $26 (4 stars)
Guy Porter and his family are all hands on deck when it comes to making this unique style of rosé. 100% pinot noir grapes are crushed and fermented ultra-dry in old oak barrels to add to the complexity and character. Mineral-driven, peppery, lipsmackingly dry – it’s a lean, clean style that’ll work beautifully with slabs … Read More
Brancott Estate Reflection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc/Sauvignon Gris 2016 $60 (5 stars)
This blend of the top parcels of sauvignon blanc and sauvignon gris that Brancott’s winemaker Patrick Materman has had his eye on for aeons, this unique wine has exotic aromas of white peach, marzipan, elderflower and a hint of lemongrass. Juicy, mouthfilling and incredibly textural, it’s absolutely gorgeous to sip. Created in collaboration with New … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat 18th Nov 2017
If you fancy yourself as New Zealand’s next top wine star, then you may just want to take this newspaper article and squirrel yourself away somewhere secret and quiet to ponder your potential, because the Family of Twelve network of wineries has announced an extraordinary opportunity for the country’s wine professionals. Invitations will open on … Read More
Coal Pit Central Otago Rosé 2017 $26.95 (4 stars)
With its enticing aromas of candyfloss, creaming soda and Eton Mess pudding, this shiny new pinot noir-based rosé also bursts with redcurrant, pink peppercorn and lipsmacking acidity. It’s a very complete wine, saturated with flavour while being delicate and stylish to the ‘nth’ degree. Sip with: pear and prosciutto salad. www.coalpitwine.com
Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $35 (4.5 stars)
There’s a word that immediately springs to mind when you sip this wine and that’s “whoompha!”. Bold, dark berries, clouds of cocoa and cherry-soaked layers of flavour, this is a pinot noir that’ll have you howling at the moon. Solid, furry tannins dial the chew-factor up to fifteen and winemaker Pete Bartle has really made … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Saturday 18th Nov 2017
Great pinot noir is moody and mysterious and versatile and magical and alluring and will give you the power to not click on all those soul-sapping yoga-app ads on Facebook. Coal Pit Central Otago Rosé 2017 $26.95 (4 stars) With its enticing aromas of candyfloss, creaming soda and Eton Mess pudding, this shiny new pinot … Read More