Whitecliff Pinot Noir 2014 $8.99 ★★½ A local supermarket budget brand that’s been around for aeons, the Whitecliff pinot is actually an Australian wine. But that’s ok because let’s face it, you’re seriously up against it to make pinot noir in this country for that sort of price. It has some sweet, spicy notes on … Read More
2014
Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2014
Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2014 $33 ★★★★★ Hands down this one of the best American pinot gris I’ve tried. Ok, so it’s the only American pinot gris I’ve ever tried, BUT it’s darn gorgeous. Sourced from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, it’s exceptionally clean and precise and boasts quince and nashi notes alongside a … Read More
Richmond Plains Blue Moon Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Richmond Plains Blue Moon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $24 ★★★★★ This is a fully-certified organic, biodynamic Sauvignon from Nelson that’s been fermented cool and long over 10 months in 300 L French hogshead barrels by winemaker Steve Gill. It has exotic aromas of lemongrass, fresh fig, soft citrus and almond meal. The acidity is lifted, zesty … Read More
Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($34) ★★★★½ Intensely fruity on the nose, with lime, lemongrass, passionfruit and white peach all flooding through onto the palate as well. I love the bruised basil and lemon verbena notes that are carried along by ultra-tangy acidity and a solid, succulent spine. Lovely stuff from winemaker Sarah Inkersell. www.fairbourne.co.nz
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2014
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2014 $25 ★★★½ The team at Richmond Plains has been quietly bottling rather lovely, fully certified organic, biodynamically produced wines for ages – and this is a darn drinkable example. Expect apple, peach stone and citrus flavours followed by a dry, mineral-rich, palate-cleansing finish. www.organicwines.co.nz
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014 $24 ★★★★½ What started out as a mistake (growing a small amount of pinot gris to co-ferment with pinot noir) ended up being an exciting solo project for Mark (Mack) Mason and Michelle Crawford. Fresh quince and nashi characters are sliced through with samurai sword acidity, leaving a … Read More
Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $19 ★★★★ Aromas of basil and lime, passionfruit, pepper and lemongrass lead to crisp, crunchy acidity, a burst of citrus and oodles of tropical tastiness on the finish. Sourced from an established, high quality vineyard block outside of Hastings, this is a snappy, succulent example of sauvignon … Read More
Toi Toi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Toi Toi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $18 ★★★½ If you like your sauvignon packed with passionfruit, lime, basil, pea pod and peach flavours then you’d best get your keyboard out and order some of this pronto. Uncomplicated, fresh, zingy and superb with steamed mussels – what more do you need? www.toitoiwines.co.nz
New Zealand’s First 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Released Today
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hawke’s Bay releases the nation’s first 2014 “Sauvy” Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand – April 1st 2014 – Marlborough may be the home of Sauvignon Blanc but this year Hawke’s Bay is its home-away-from-home, as the first Sauvignon Blanc of the season hits the market today care of local winery Moana Park. The “Crush … Read More