Just becaue it’s not bright and glossy-looking, don’t let that stop you from leaping into this gorgeous wine. It’s simply un-fined and unfiltered and made as naturally as you can. Aromatically it heaves with hibiscus rosehip, cherry and cranberry, while on the palate it’s a tsunami of taste. Mixed spices, cocoa, raspberry and silky saturation … Read More
Mahana Nelson Pinot Noir 2014 $39.50 (4.5 stars)
Certified organic and produced biodynamically, this pinot has a cloudy appearance due to it not being filtered or fined therefore it’s filled with flavour, the whole flavour and nothing but the flavour. Soft, elegant, truffle-edged and earthy, I love the baked cherry and raspberry layers – fine-grained tannins and fluttery length. It’s got gravitas for … Read More
Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Sangiovese 2013 $35 (4 stars)
Crafted by the clever kids over at Osawa Wines in Hawke’s Bay’s Maraekakaho district, this is a lithe, lovely, local example of an Italian classic, which boasts buckets of red cherry, redcurrant and raspberry, all wrapped up in an earthy, suede-like texture on the finish. Juicy, yet dry and smoky, it’s maturing nicely and just … Read More
Beach House Gimblett Gravels Reserve Merlot 2014 $25
If you’re like me and have moments where you could absolutely murder a glass of merlot, then this little lovely will make all your wildest dreams come true. Plump, plush and packed solid with plum and black forest flavours, chocolate, sweet smoke notes and a pillowy, perfectly poised texture lead to a long, fleshy finish. … Read More
Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 $48
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, buxom, plum and cocoa character to this wine, complete with grippy tannins, smoky warmth … Read More
Canvas column Sat Aug 5 2017
There’s something about Merlot… Here are two truths. 1. I am unashamedly a merlotphile. 2. I have never watched Game of Thrones. OK now you can judge me… Linden Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2015 $48 In 2010 Trevor Shepherd talked his way into a job at Linden, where for four years he toiled (unpaid … Read More
Hãhã Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2016 $16
Berries? Check. Plum? Check. Truckloads of spices? Check. Ribsticking length of flavour? That’s a check by heck. Basically it’s a warming, cuddly, fabulously tongue-fuzzing, multi-tasking merlot that’ll please the crowds and win friends and influence people. Your wallet will remain calm and zen too. Sip with: slivers of prosciutto www.pointwines.co.nz www.yvonnelorkin.com
Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris 2013 $23
Twenty minutes from Christchurch on the West Coast Road (SH73) is a leafy locale known as West Melton, home to a plucky community of winegrowers, including Philip Caunter, a million-miles-an-hour man who doubles as ‘software entrepreneur’ and ‘ardent fan of the West Melton RFC’. His vines grow on free-draining, greywacke-littered soils gifted by ancient braided … Read More
Canvas column week commencing 29th July, 2017
Thankfully, Christchurch’s liquefaction has all but disappeared, but in Canterbury’s outer winescape, there’s some serious liquid action going on. See what I did there? Liquifaction – liquid-action? OK, back to your smashed avocado then… Melton Estate Canterbury Pinot Gris 2013 $23 Twenty minutes from Christchurch on the West Coast Road (SH73) is a leafy locale … Read More
Wine column week commencing 22nd July, 2017
Fifty Shades of Pink. One thing is for certain, this is not a sexy winter. But there’s something about a glass of gorgeously pink rose that lifts my mood even when it’s murky outdoors. And yet it’s this pinkish hue, which unfortunately demotes it to the “don’t go there” list for many people. Ok, by … Read More