Banfi Col Di Sasso Toscana Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $16 ★★★ The words ‘Col Di Sasso’ translate to ‘Stony Hill’, which describes the site of the steep, rocky slope in which the fruit for this wine grows in the Montalcino region of Italy. It’s like someone took a handful of ripe, squishy raspberries, rubbed them … Read More
2013
Bladen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Bladen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $33 ★★★½ A very light coloured pinot, that has a soft raspberry and cherry lift, tannins with powdery grip in the mouth and a long, medicinally-spicy finish. If you like your pinot smooth, easy, light and juicy, then this is for you. www.bladen.co.nz
Kina Cliffs Nelson Pinot Noir 2013
Kina Cliffs Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 $30 ★★★★ The instant I stuck my nose inside the glass, I was met with a whoomph of cherry-chocolate, smoked coconut, dried herb and peppery plushness. It’s been sixteen years since Julie and Alistair Ashcroft purchased their 4.5 hectare block overlooking Tasman Bay and twelve years since the vines … Read More
Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2013
Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2013 $30 ★★★★★ The Donaldson family in Waipara, North Canterbury, have been crafting this quirky version of sauvignon since AGES ago, and it’s now got something resembling a cult following for its incredibly complex, toasty, tropical and herbaceous flavours. A splash of semillon imparts a distinct ‘moist hay’ and roasted almond … Read More
Avaniel Tempranillo 2013
Avaniel Tempranillo 2013 $22 ★★★½ Sourced from Spain’s Ribero del Duero region is this ultra-smooth, plush and velvety red that seeps cocoa, cola, black olive, blackcurrant and all sorts of light, earthy, liquorice-like characters. It’s got personality and an easy mouthfeel and I’m sure if you whip this out for your guests at the next … Read More
Beresford Bell Tower McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013
Beresford Bell Tower McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 $20 ★★★½ Who doesn’t love a big, rich, Australian shiraz that radiates ripe, dark, dusty berries, sweet plum and chocolate? This is one of those wines that I warmed to straight away because the price is right and it held it’s flavours for a decent length of time … Read More
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2013
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2013 $19.99 ★★★★ Made from 100% Primitivo (otherwise known as Zinfandel), this is an instantly appealing Italian red that has become a new favourite of mine. With gently meaty, roasting-pan and pepper characters on the nose, followed by bayleaf, sweet boysenberry and complex, dusty tannins that are elastic yet grippy – … Read More
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2013
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2013 $30 ★★★★ Guy Porter has blended together an eyebrow-raising combo of riesling, muscat, gewürztraminer and pinot gris from his family vineyard on Georges Road, Waipara to create a wine redolent of yellow roses and grandma’s overnight bag – perfumed and sweet on the nose. In the mouth it has … Read More
The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013
The Family Gisborne Merlot 2013 $25 ★★★★ Pioneer winemaker John Thorpe and his family are really making a name for themselves with this family brand and lovers of soft, plummy and plush merlot will fall all over themselves when they taste this wine. Bright berries, cherries chocolatey spices and a long, silky finish make this … Read More
CJ Pask Declaration Syrah 2013
CJ Pask Declaration Syrah 2013 $50 ★★★★★ An ultra-bright, intensely aromatic example, which oozes fruitwood smoke, cracked pepper, rose and violet notes alongside an underlying earthy character on the nose. Flavour-wise it boasts juicy dark fruit, vanilla and cocoa, tannins with grip and chew and a long, warming finish. It’s an incredibly satisfying drink now, … Read More