Folium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016

22 May 2019By Yvonne

Folium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $30 Winemaker Takaki Okada is one of my favourite artists in the vineyard.  Managing his tiny, Brancott Road property entirely organically and completely by hand.  His love for pinot noir is palpable, infectious, and the flavours he derives from his fruit are completely unique.  Think you know Marlborough pinot noir?  … Read More

Jackson Estate Grey Ghost Barrique Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015

19 May 2019By Yvonne

Jackson Estate Grey Ghost Barrique Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $28 Named after the gigantic old gum tree that grows on Jackson’s Homestead vineyard that apparently makes ghostly noises as the temperature cools down and night settles in.  Made by Matt Paterson-Green, this sauvignon is hand harvested, whole-bunch-pressed and then fermented in old, French oak barrels … Read More

Giesen Single Vineyard Fuder Series Marlborough Chardonnay 2015

14 May 2019By Yvonne

Giesen Single Vineyard Fuder Series Clayvin Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 $49.99 I have literally been doing a months-long Rumplestiltskin dance waiting for this wine to be released.  Certified organic and representing the pinnacle of what the team at Giesen can achieve from Clayvin, (one of Marlborough’s most sought-after vineyards), it’s absolutely stunning and worth every cent … Read More

Saint Clair James Sinclair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018

22 April 2019By Yvonne

Saint Clair James Sinclair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $22 As soon as you stick your nose in a glass of this sauvignon, you’re met with marshmallow, lemongrass, summer flowers and soft passionfruit layers.  On the palate it is punchy-fresh, yet the acidity is gentle and beautifully integrated with the fruit concentration and herbaceousness.  Nice sipping … Read More

Greywacke Late Harvest Marlborough Riesling 2011

21 March 2019By Yvonne

Greywacke Late Harvest Marlborough Riesling 2011 $38 Holy toffee apples, Batman!  Carefully crafted by the legendary Kevin Judd, this little bottle of liquid indulgence has all the wicked sweetness of a sneaky dollar lolly mixture stashed under your pillow to nibble on when your mum’s not looking.  Hints of beeswax and spice on the nose … Read More

Kelly Washington Wairau Valley Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2017

7 February 2019By Yvonne

Kelly Washington Wairau Valley Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $36  Aromas of freshly-baled pea-hay, lemongrass and soft, white pepper characters co-exist with lime and nettle notes in a beautifully balanced, mineral-driven mouthfeel that is just delicious. Certified organic and very classy in the glass, I really wish I could confidently say that New Zealanders will pay … Read More

Tinpot Hut Marlborough Late Harvest Riesling 2017

13 January 2019By Yvonne

Tinpot Hut Marlborough Late Harvest Riesling 2017 $28  Winemaker Fiona Turner has worked her magic on this stylishly sticky, sweet wine that carries candied citrus, toffee apple and heavenly honey notes on the nose and palate.  Fresh and flirtatious, it’s seriously sweet, yet finely tuned and beautifully balanced.  Great stuff! www.tinpothut.co.nz

Caythorpe Family Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

13 January 2019By Yvonne

Caythorpe Family Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $24.99  From the Bishell family farm comes a shiny new vintage of pinot noir that definitely leans on the lighter side of the fence.  Scented with raspberry, cranberry, strawberry and pretty much every other red fruit imaginable, this wine shows softness, silkiness and a dangerously easy, eensy-weensy-spicy finish. … Read More

Windrush Empire Marlborough Chardonnay 2018 $25

12 January 2019By Yvonne

I was listening to “Jitterbug” by WHAM! when I first tasted this chardonnay by Callum Linklater and it definitely did make me want to do a happy dance. Bright, shiny and lighter, white-fruited style, chablis-like with a hint of funk and frisk. Nice texture and length. Dry and citrus-driven with a lick of white pepper … Read More

Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Marlborough Chardonnay 2015

30 December 2018By Yvonne

Rock Ferry 3rd Rock Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 $32  If your tastes in chardonnay lean along the nutty, buttered crumpet and biscuity end of the spectrum, then you’ll be loving this nougat-infused number.  It’s stitched together with some solid citrus, so freshness is definitely the underlying factor here – however there’s a lovely complexing, caramelised note … Read More