Phil and Terry Horn have absolutely immersed themselves in a Hawke’s Bay life in wine ever since taking ownership of the 6ha, Gimblett Gravels icon Unison Vineyard in 2008. With the help of expert winemaker Jenny Dobson, they have elevated the quality of their reds to stratospheric levels. This ‘Rocky’ merlot cabernet blend follows the … Read More
2014
Karikari Esate Calypso Northland Merlot 2014 $27 (3.5stars)
If you were looking for New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard then you’ve come to the right place. The heat bakes those vines and the breezes which gust in from the coast directly below the peninsula keep the bunches dry and clean. Winemaker Alan Collinson uses wild, natural yeasts to ferment the juice, which adds to the … Read More
Prunotto Fiulot Barbera D’Asti 2014 $23.99 (4 stars)
Made by Marchesi Antinori, this smooth, soft, pillowy red from Italy’s Piedmonte region is one of those easy reds that may even convert the most hardened ‘I only drink whites’ wine lover. Grown in calcerous marl soils of the Costamiole vineyard in the town of Agliano, the Barbera grapes ripen to create sweet, savoury berry … Read More
El Quintanal Tempranillo 2014 $19.95 (3.5 stars)
Packed to the cork with ripe red berries, comforting christmas cake spices, caramelised, truffle-like earthiness, hints of vanilla and even a squeak of liquorice manages to snuggle in there too. Here’s a deeply warming, comforting wine from Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, which works deliciously well with chicken and sweet capsicum stirfry. www.moorewilsons.co.nz
Dunleavy The Grafter Waiheke Island Syrah 2014 $45.90 (4.5 stars)
Brothers Paul, John and Mike Dunleavy are at the helm of the company alongside their father Terry Dunleavy MBE – this family have championed island syrah since the get-go. If there was a ‘Waiheke’s Got Talent’ contest, I’d DEFINITELY text in my vote for syrah. Aged for 12 months in smoky French oak, this syrah … Read More
Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2014 $35 (5 stars)
The glossy coppery-topaz colour of this wine is exactly the type of sparkly-type of thing that lures women like me into all sorts of potentially un-ladylike activity. It smells like that glorious mélange of mixed peel, currants, raisins and sultanas soaking in masses of melted butter and booze that is ones traditional Christmas cake batter, … Read More
Gibson Bridge Reserve Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2014 $28 (4 stars)
If you thought that gewürztraminer was always going to be blousy, sweet and musky; then prepare for an eye-popper in every sip. Dry, tangy, yet lean and lithe on the palate with an edge of lychee, manuka honey and a sprinkling of dusty, chalkiness on the finish. It’s a style of gewürztraminer grown on the … Read More
Ohinemuri Estate Kapaki Reserve ‘Taniwha’ 2014 $30 (2.5 stars)
Horst and Wendy Hillerich reside in quite possibly New Zealand’s cutest little winery deep inside the Karangahake gorge, high above the Ohinemuri River. Horst sources fruit from different regions for his wines and this blend of cabernet franc, pinotage and merlot is on the herbal end of the spectrum, so prepare for menthol, spearmint and … Read More
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor’s Creek Pinot Noir 2014 $37.90 (4.5 stars)
South west of Blenheim, the soils become infused with clay, making it the perfect place to put pinot in the ground. The result is a highly floral, black tea and cherry-laced pinot noir with real balance and charm. Edged with spice and smoke, there’s delicious complexity at every level here and it’s only getting better … Read More
Mad Dog Bay of Island’s Chardonnay 2014 $24 (3.5 stars)
Northland is New Zealand’s oldest yet youngest wine region. It was the place where Rev. Samuel Marsden first planted grapes back in 1819 and Dalmatian migrants planted the seeds of the modern industry in its gum fields. Chardonnay has a natural home here, especially this creamy, weighty, fleshy style. This is the last opportunity to … Read More