Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2017 $39.99 Wow and what-the-blazes and woah Nelly! This chardonnay is all about a-hollerin’ and a-hootin’ to the world how exceptionally fantastic the Gimblett Gravels is at turning out clean yet character-packed chardonnay that handles oak like a brain surgeon, light-fingered yet powerfully in tune with what they’re working … Read More
Hawke’s Bay
Te Awanga Estate Quarter Acre Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018
Te Awanga Estate Quarter Acre Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 $49.99 I’m convinced Rod McDonald, winemaker and owner of Te Awanga Estate, actually has syrah running through is veins instead of blood. He’s so intuitive with each vintage, it’s like he and those grapes have telepathic connections that work to create deliciousness in the bottle every … Read More
Te Awanga Estate Quarter Acre Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018
Te Awanga Estate Quarter Acre Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 $49.99 Te Awanga Estate’s owner Rod McDonald, has been named in the inaugural ‘Master Winemaker 100’ list, a prestigious who’s who of top global winemakers compiled by reputable magazine the drinks business (UK) – so what you’re holding in your hand is a glass of his … Read More
Te Awanga Estate One Off Silky Smooth Organic Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Te Awanga Estate One-Off Silky Smooth Organic Hawke’s Bay Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $34.99 Yes, it’s a mouthful to say, but this is where Italy and France smash together to create a harmonious blend of dark, blueberry fruits, espresso, leather and bay leafy loveliness. Looking at the label, you may expect a heavyweight honker, yet … Read More
Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $23.99 Of all the fat and sassy’s, I think the shiny, new 2019 vintage could very well be the plumpest and cheekiest and goldenest of them all. Tony says he’s keeping it fat with lots of lees work, full malo and quality ripe fruit sourced mostly … Read More
Te Awanga Estate Mister Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019
Te Awanga Estate Mister Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 $21.99 Word on the street is that 2019 was a cracker of a year in Hawke’s Bay for chardonnay and this little Rod McDonald creation definitely doesn’t let the side down. It’s a seriously sippable, grin-inducing burst of nectarine, lemon zest, creamy almond and brulee notes. There’s … Read More
Summer Sault Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 $25
Summer Sault Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2019 $25 Produced by the Plowman family of Waiana Estate from 100% cinsault grapes grown in the Tuki Tuki Valley, this Provence-style rosé has been shepherded into the bottle by the freakishly talented Dave McKee of Black Barn fame. Boasting a demurely pale, rose-gold, coral and apricot colour, hints of … Read More
Trinity Hill 125 Gimblett Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2018
Trinity Hill 125 Gimblett Single Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2018 $80 100% Clone 95 chardonnay was harvested from their Tin Shed Vineyard at 125 Gimblett Road, then lovingly shepherded into the bottle by the Trinity Team to create the debut ‘125’. And I am all over it like a chardonnay-obsessed limpet. Aromatically it shows stylish … Read More
Smith & Sheth Cru Heretaunga Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018
Smith & Sheth Cru Heretaunga Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 $40 Holy buttered muffin Batman! This blend of clone 95, clone 15 and old Mendoza vines is one of three chardonnays released by Master of Wine Steve Smith and his team at Smith & Sheth, and it’s as complex as the design on the label. Each … Read More
Brookfields Marshall Bank Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018
Brookfields Marshall Bank Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 ($34.99) Paired with Pacifica Chicken Burgers in the NZ Herald Canvas Magazine 18.1.2020 I love me a chicken burger and given the chance I will always opt for a ripe, rumpty, roast peach-packed example to sip as I snack. Right now, the Brookfields Marshall Bank Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay … Read More