Ash Ridge gets busy…

7 January 2012By Yvonne

It is exactly one year since Ash Ridge Wines opened their tiny, tin shed cellar door on State Highway 50, ten minutes drive southeast of Hastings.  Offering a handful of wines, coffee, tea and good old gap-fillers like antipasto, cheese platters and lasagne, they’re perfectly poised to snare parched and peckish people speeding north from … Read More

Church Road Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2010

4 January 2012By Yvonne

Church Road Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2010 $40  I love the essence of orange oil, quince and wild flowers on the nose and the immediate burst of mandarin, apricot and soft spices in the mouth. Its lusciousness and mid-palate texture is absolutely divine and it’s a superb example of the style.  One glass is just … Read More

Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010

16 December 2011By Yvonne

Lovers of the Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010 $35  will also be pleased to know that Buck believes “in all modesty, the 2010 Elston is probably the best version we’ve ever done”.  2010 was a sensational year for Hawke’s Bay chardonnay and I’ve got to agree with John, this wine is unbelievably gorgeous.  Fresh, crisp and crunchy … Read More

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 $21  Lifted spicy plum, raspberry and deep cherry and cocoa aromatics followed by a lovely chocolate, smoke character on the finish, this is a fantastic, fresh, beautifully balanced red that will definitely impress.  I think it’ll cellar well for another 4-5 years if you’re disciplined enough.  www.cypress.co.nz   Cypress Hawke’s Bay … Read More

Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2009

7 September 2011By Yvonne

Alpha Domus AD The Aviator 2009 $57  Glossy, magenta flecked with crimson it has exotic plum blossom, blackberry and cocoa aromas and one sip shows beautiful, multilayered texture in the mouth.  Excellent fruit concentration, and the 37% cabernet sauvignon component is robust and ripe providing a solid backbone for the merlot, malbec and franc.  It … Read More

Te Awa Sauvignon Semillon 2010

7 September 2011By Yvonne

Te Awa Sauvignon Semillon 2010 $26  This is such an underrated blend.  I really like the extra ‘flesh’ the injection of semillon adds to the lemony, tropical sauvignon blanc that Hawke’s Bay is famous for.  Aromas of white florals, citrus and fresh-cut fennel lead to zesty minerality which slices across the palate leaving a clean, … Read More

Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009 $59  Lifted plum, prune, dried herbs, cedar and exotic smokey notes open the door to a burst of blackberry, pepper, juicy red liquorice and tangy earthy flavours in  the mouth.  I love cabernet franc, and this example really makes a massive impression with delicious presence and solid length … Read More

Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Yealands Full Circle Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2008 $17  “What goes around comes around” states the label on this plastic bottle.  Produced by carbon-zero certified Yealands Estate this 100% recyclable is highly fruity on the nose and in the mouth it’s harmless, easy to drink but just a smidge boring if I’m being totally honest.  www.yealands.com