Sherwood Estate RD1 Waipara Syrah 2010

27 September 2013By Yvonne

Sherwood Estate RD1 Waipara Syrah 2010 $29 ★★★½ Dayne and Jill Sherwood have been growing grapes and making wine in Canterbury for 25 years, and with expert guidance from winemaker Petter Evans they’ve managed to add a tasty little southern syrah to their repertoire.  Lots of sweet, juicy red fruits on the nose and palate with … Read More

Mahurangi River Estate Matakana Syrah 2010

27 September 2013By Yvonne

Mahurangi Estate Matakana Syrah 2010 $45 ★★★★½ There’s not much of this about and it’s easy to see why people have been snapping it up.  Packed with raspberry, blackcurrent and plum characters and has a gentle, smooth, chocolatey finish.  So drinkable it’s dangerous.  www.mahurangiriver.co.nz

Goldie Wines Waiheke Syrah 2010

27 September 2013By Yvonne

Goldie Wines Waiheke Syrah 2010 $36 ★★★★ A rich, savoury wine with a lovely layer of ripe fruit sweetness, pomegranate, pepper and plum flavours alongside solid tannins and a warm, smooth finish.  I would love to try this wine again in another year or so because I think it’ll be great with some extra time.  www.goldiewines.co.nz

I’m up for Summer Love…

14 August 2013By Yvonne

If you travel twenty minutes west of Christchurch on the West Coast Road (SH73) you’ll enter the leafy locale known as West Melton which is home to a plucky community of winegrowers including Melton Estate.  Previously known as Sherwood Estate, the Melton Estate winery is the brainchild of Philip Caunter, a million-miles-an-hour man who can … Read More

Let’s be Franc…

11 August 2013By Yvonne

When it comes to popular wine varieties cabernet franc is the bridesmaid of the Bordeaux family.  Essential in that everyone expects it to be there, (to make  up the numbers and keep the feng shui of all the flavours in balance) but it never seems to be singled out for  much attention.  I absolutely love … Read More

Under $25 Treats…

11 August 2013By Yvonne

Like most people who enjoy a glass of wine or two on a daily basis, I really have to watch my wallet when it comes to buying bottles during the week.  $15 is my ballpark budget most days, but when the weekend rolls around I can always find an excuse to squeeze an extra ten … Read More

Syrah Spins My Wheels…

10 July 2013By Yvonne

I’m writing this column the morning after having done my first spin class. If you’re a squeamish sort then hop up now and go and move the cat or phone a horoscope hotline for the next few minutes because this won’t be pretty.  I’m not talking about  channelling my inner rumplestiltskin with a bag of … Read More

Vinoptima Noble Gisborne Gewürztraminer 2007

19 June 2013By Yvonne

Vinoptima Noble Gisborne Gewürztraminer 2007 $250 375ml  Could this wine be the most delectable thing ever?  (I think that’s the first and only time I’ve ever used the word ‘delectable’) Yes, it is an indulgence, and one of the most expensive things I’ve ever tasted, but its aromas of rose-caramel, toffee, candied mandarin and golden syrup … Read More