So this wine may come in a decidedly non-pinot noir shaped bottle, we here at WineFriend are happy to encourage a little disruption in tradition, especially when it looks so darn cool. Here’s a lighter style with hints of leather and dusty berry and cherry notes on the nose and palate. Fresh and slightly grippy … Read More
Central Otago
Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose 2016 $27 (4 stars)
100% organic pinot noir in all its glory is exactly what you get with this southern stunner. Such a pretty, ballet-shoe pink colour, aromas of just-ripe raspberry, watermelon and fleshed out with soft, creamy, roast stonefruit notes to round out the finish. Great length of flavour too. www.peregrinewines.co.nz
Bannock Brae Cathy’s Central Otago Rosé 2016 $22 (4 stars)
Crafted from 100% pinot noir grown on Catherine and Crawford Brown’s Cairnmuir Road vineyard, this is a super-bright, raspberry and wild cherry-soaked rosé that’ll definitely win friends and influence people this summer. The fruit concentration rocks across the palate, while the nose is so floral and fabulous, it takes some discipline to not dip your … Read More
Dunstan Road Central Otago Riesling 2015 $25 4 stars
If your tastebuds were in need of a serious wakeup call, then this super-dry-to-the-point-of-being-skeletal riesling, could be just the ticket. Crushed seashells, green apple and lime layers all unfold, followed by a taste that I can only describe as like licking a wet stone that’s been soaked in lime. Which is a lovely thing to … Read More
Terra Sancta Lola’s Block Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016
Terra Sancta Lola’s Block Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $27.45 ★★★★½ Jody Pagey and Len Ibbotson are the winemaking and viticulture guru’s responsible for this luscious and tangy, southern star pinot gris. It’s a wine that seduced me from the get-go with its punchy nashi freshness and apple strudel spices. Rich and luscious and bursting … Read More
Bannock Brae Marlene’s Gruner Veltliner
Bannock Brae Marlene’s Central Otago Grüner Veltliner 2015 $25 Catherine and Crawford Brown have transformed a rabbit-ruined paddock into an award-winning vineyard that’s an oeno-nirvana of pinot noir, riesling and now Grüner Veltliner (Grooner-velt-leener). Bracing layers of acidity slice apart the white nectarine, lime and seashell notes of this wine. The signature white of Austria … Read More
Kalex Central Otago Rose Brut 2012
Kalex Central Otago Rose Brut 2012 $39 ★★★★ I love the pretty rose-gold colour in the glass, but we all know looks aren’t everything. So I was reassured to find it has alluring aromas of shrewsbury biscuit, berry bagel and soft, toasted nutty flavours in the mouth, followed by a hint of cherry on the … Read More
Mishas Vineyard Dress Circle Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015
Mishas Vineyard Dress Circle Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015 $27 ★★★★ If you think you’re ready to take your pinot gris appreciation to the next level then here’s your stepladder. Crafted by guru winemaker Olly Masters from vines growing on the vertigo-inducingly steep slopes of Bendigo overlooking Lake Dunstan, this wine has powerful roast pear, … Read More
Amisfield Central Otago Dry Riesling 2014
Amisfield Central Otago Dry Riesling 2014 $25 ★★★★½ Winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert and her team have absolutely cracked it with this ultra-clean, dry riesling that bursts with crunchy granny smith apple, juicy lime and flinty, wet stone minerality. It’s intensely vibrant, mouthwatering even, and I love the gum-tingling texture on the finish. www.amisfield.co.nz
Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015
Domain Road Defiance Central Otago Pinot Gris 2015 $25 ★★★★½ Lovers of sweeter pinot gris are sure to go doolally over this honeysuckle-soaked style. Think nectarine, nashi pear, mandarin and the pungent tang of quince, make this Bannockburn-grown gris downright gorgeous. Superb with your next chicken tikka marsala. www.domainroad.co.nz