Brookfields Sun-Dried Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2018 $25 Peter Robertson, owner and winemaker of Brookfields is one of New Zealand’s most experienced winemakers, accumulating huge knowledge of techniques since beginning his career in 1974. Drying grapes in the sun prior to fermentation dates back to the early Greek and Italian times (like 6th century BC early!) … Read More
Hawke’s Bay
Petane Station Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2018
Petane Station Hawke’s Bay Merlot Franc 2018 $30 Well kachango my mango, if this merlot blend isn’t by far the most saucy, seductively-spicy, fruit-soaked thing to sniff and sip, then I’ll be a cross-eyed coyote. I also need to stop watching so many spaghetti Westerns on Netflix. Ahem. In all seriousness however, this wine is … Read More
Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $49.95 Named in honour and memory of Elspeth Preston, grandmother of Mills Reef’s winemaker/owner Tim Preston, and only created in years when Tim and his team feel the fruit is superlative, when the fruit cannot be faulted, and when the positive chi flows through from the East … Read More
Pask Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2018
Pask Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2018 $22 This is my go-to wine when I need something snazzy to pair with dishes featuring brussels sprouts. Yep. Brussels sprouts. I don’t know how it works; it just does. There must be some science, but like Trump fans I’ll choose to ignore it. Instead I’ll opt to be fully … Read More
Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2017
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
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