Beach House ‘F’ Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2018 $25 Here’s a fact. If it weren’t for cabernet franc, we wouldn’t have any cabernet sauvignon. You see, back in the mists of time, cabernet franc had some sexy-time with a saucy little sauvignon blanc vine and when the sap began to rise in the springtime, a … Read More
Hawke’s Bay
Abbey Estate Bridge Pa Temptation Malbec 2019
Abbey Estate Bridge Pa Temptation Malbec 2019 $25 Inky magenta in the glass and grizzling around the gills with earthy spices and gamey, wild and woolly notes. Malbec as a single varietal in Hawke’s Bay is not a common thing, particularly in the Bridge Pa area. so when someone decides to bottle it solo, my … Read More
Paritua Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Paritua Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $44.99 Every chardonnay lover under the sun will be skating, skedaddling, scootering and sprinting to get a bottle or twelve of this for their cellar as soon as they know how darn delicious it is. The Bridge Pa Triangle district, where this is grown, is fast becoming a hotspot for … Read More
Monowai Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2020
Monowai Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2020 $24.99 2020 clearly shined bright on the grapes grown on the Ngaruroro River terraces by winemaker Emma Lowe and her Chilean viticulturist husband Marcelo Nunez. The high altitude, rocky, free-draining soils of the Matapiro sub-region inland west of Hastings, is superb for turning out tasty pinot gris. All the … Read More
Unison Maestro Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018
Unison Maestro Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 $32 Just 1733 bottles were made of this toasty mctoastfest of a chardonnay, so if you’re a fan of that oaky, nutty style then don’t dally! Crafted by a Gimblett Gravels producer best known for their stylish red wines, this well-made wine proves they’re no slouch in the chardonnay … Read More
Petane Station Bellbird Block Gewürztraminer 2020
Petane Station Bellbird Block Gewürztraminer 2020 $36 With just 70 dozen made of this lychee-laden little lovely from out Esk Valley way, by the time I finish writing this review it’ll possibly all be gone! My individually numbered bottle (the gorgeous no. 915) poured a perfectly pale gold wine, bursting with baking spices, mango, rosewater … Read More
Bostock Wines Vicki’s Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2017
Bostock Wines Vicki’s Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2017 $50 I deliberately left this wine for a year from release to taste it because from what I’d read about how it was made, I figured a little time would really elevate things immensely. Sometimes I do actually have ideas that work out for the best because … Read More
Te Awanga Estate Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Te Awanga Estate Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $24.99 Crafted by Rod McDonald, this coastally-grown chardonnay has unique aromas of seabreezes and custard squares and peach conserve spread on buttered toast with charred edges. It’s creamy, stonefruit saturated and licked with a whisker of white pepper which adds complexity and yumness (should totally be a word) … Read More
Askerne Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon 2018
Askerne Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon 2018 $23.90 Fish Tacos with tomatillo and avocado sauce Hands down the best thing you can possibly sip with these seriously spicy fish tacos, is the Askerne Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon 2018 ($23.90) It’s heaving with herbaceousness, lemongrass, white pepper and tarragon-infused terrificness. Sauvignon gris is … Read More
Unison Bumble Bee Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2019
Unison Bumble Bee Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2019 $24 Paired with :Crispy spiced onion fritter burgers with mango chutney in Dish Magazine Issue 93 No question, the best possible thing to put in your mouth after these superb burgers, is the Unison Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2019 ($24). It’s a dry-styled pinot gris with buckets … Read More