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
Central Otago
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
Terra Sancta Central Otago Mysterious White 2014
Terra Sancta Central Otago Mysterious White 2014 $24 ★★★½ Well there’s nothing I love more than a good mystery, and this cheek-slappingly tasty blend of muscat, gewürztraminer, pinot gris and riesling has plenty of that. With aroma of musk and apple skin, chalky mineral-like notes, powdery florals and punchy, white peach it’s a complex task … Read More
Bannock Brae Goldfields Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014
Bannock Brae Goldfields Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $30 ★★★★ This is one heck of an exotically perfumed pinot made for the Bannockbrae team by world-class winemaking wahine, Sarah-Kate (SK) Dineen. Boasting plum, black tea, hedgerow fruits, savoury, peppery notes and a chunk of cherry on the palate, it has freshness, buoyancy and real character. … Read More