Zephyr Marlborough Chardonnay 2017

25 March 2020By Yvonne

Zephyr Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 $27.99 Reviewed for NZ Herald Canvas Magazine March 28 2020 – paired with Annabel Langbein’s Cheesy Vegetable Gratin recipe. Comfort food like this deserves comfort wine, right?  Well there’s no reason why that comfortable, cuddly wine can’t also be whipcrack sexy at the same time.  That’s all a’happening with the Zephyr … Read More

Thirty One Rows Northbank Marlborough Rosé 2019

8 March 2020By Yvonne

Thirty One Rows Northbank Marlborough Rosé 2019 $24.99 Finding a 14% pinot noir rosé that still maintains finesse and delicacy is a rare thing, but this wine has cracked it.  Using organically grown fruit from the emerging, Northbank subregion of Marlborough (where he’s also building a family home on the rock formations depicted on the … Read More

Smith & Sheth Cru Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

8 March 2020By Yvonne

Smith & Sheth Cru Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $28 Each of the vertical panels on the label represents the exact genome sequence of the DNA of the grape varieties that Smith & Sheth grow.  With lemongrassy layers stitched together with powerful passionfruit lime, basil and nectarine notes, it’s incredibly juicy to drink, generously proportioned, … Read More

Jules Taylor Marlborough Chardonnay 2019

3 March 2020By Yvonne

Jules Taylor Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 $23 Its roasted stonefruit and grilled citrus notes on the nose merge like a zip with soft nougat and brulee flavours in the mouth, making it a creamy, silky chardonnay that’ll soothe the throat and clear the nostrils nicely.  Not overtly oaky, and definitely soothing, it’s ballerina-balanced and will easily … Read More

Mills Reef Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

2 March 2020By Yvonne

Mills Reef Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $23.99 If you’re able to get your hands on this vintage then you’re a lucky sausage – because there’s precious little available and yet it’s drinking SOOOOO (that’s 5 ‘o’s so it’s a banger)  nicely.  Smooth and cherry-driven, layered with black tea and cocoa and showing a luscious … Read More

Summerhouse Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

26 February 2020By Yvonne

Summerhouse Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $16.99 It’s a tropical nirvana of guava, passionfruit, pineapple, papaya and plane-loads of punchy citrus for good measure.  It’s exactly the style of sauvignon blanc that will wow the crowds and please the masses and bring the grins.  Ripe, fleshy and riddled with wham-a-lam-a-ding-dong deliciousness for under twenty bucks that … Read More

Hunter’s Home Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

19 February 2020By Yvonne

Hunter’s Home Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($30) They might be one of Marlborough (nay, New Zealand’s) oldest and most successful wine companies, but it’s taken them until now to declare an ‘icon’ release sauvignon blanc.  Their young winemaker, James Macdonald has been fizzing at the bung to test what’s possible with sauvignon blanc, whilst … Read More

Spy Valley Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012

2 February 2020By Yvonne

Spy Valley Echelon Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012 $36.99 I was completely seduced by the tiny, fine bead inside the glass, white gold, glossy, aromas of rising dough, crusty bread, caramelised character and richly structured.  Full, generous, incredibly elegant and finely structured in the mouth.  So stylish, textural and incredibly satisfying. www.spyvalleywine.co.nz

Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Marlborough Rosé 2019

23 December 2019By Yvonne

Two Rivers Isle of Beauty Marlborough Rosé 2019 $24 David Clouston spent a lot of time learning the art of winemaking on the jawdroppingly gorgeous, French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.  It’s also the place where he became more than mildly obsessed with rosé.  Adopting the Provençal ideal of blending many different grape varieties … Read More

Wild Waves Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018

20 December 2019By Yvonne

Wild Waves Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $21 Soft herbal notes, lemon zest and passionfruit and lime – that’s what you’re going to get in this wine.  Texturally it’s a slippery number, ticks boxes, won’t rock the world, but gives refreshment and quench to your palate.  Chill it right down and serve it with fish and … Read More