I love the fact that on the outside the packaging is so whimsical, so extravagant, so wild, yet when you slip the bottle out, the labelling on the bottle is a simple white and silver crest. But it’s what’s inside that bottle that counts, and if you’re craving a hit of nettles, lime, passionfruit, pinprick … Read More
marlborough
Soho Stella Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $25 ★★★★★
Wow! How’s this for a passionfruity punch in the face. Lemongrass, basil, and lashings of lime just tornado themselves across the palate, leaving a zingy, perfectly prickly texture in their wake. Winemaker Dave Clouston is an absolute guru when it comes to sourcing and saucing the best sauvignon blanc Marlborough has to offer – so … Read More
Allan Scott Generations Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ★★★★
Softer and much creamier than most squint-inducing Marlborough sauvignon blancs, this wine has a hint of toast and watercress on the nose, marzipan and just a sneaky squeak of lemongrass, lime zest and dried herbs. It’s Marlborough sauvignon but with an edgy, slightly smoky side. Allan Scott’s son Josh heads the winemaking team and he’s … Read More
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $36 ★★★★½
This new vintage of what’s become an Antipodean icon, has all the hallmarks of becoming another stunner. I say ‘becoming’ because despite this wine already boasting punchy basil, sweet pea, passionfruit and crunchy-fresh citrus and floral characters – I personally really love drinking this wine in the height of summer, a few months on from … Read More
Soho White Label Marlborough Rose 2016 $20 (4 stars)
Quite the prettiest rose I’ve seen in a long time, candy floss, raspberry, watermelon and classic, mouthfilling fruity clean notes burst from this gold medal winning pinky. Winemaker Dave Clouston has crafted a rich, robust little rose despite its pale, ballet-shoe colour. Delicate to look at – deadly tasty to drink. There’s a classic, creaming … Read More
Seresin OSIP Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $24 (3.5 stars)
Named after an ‘extraordinary’ family relative of Seresin’s founder Michael Seresin, the OSIP wines are the result of a decade-long project to remove additions in the winery. Winemaker Clive Dougall has used wild yeasts, and absolutely no sulphur or other non-naturals have been added. Seresin have been producing certified organic and biodynamically grown wines since … Read More
Clos Marguerite Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
This tiny, tinsel-tastic little vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley is one of the regions’ best kept secrets. Marguerite and her husband, winemaker Jean Charles van Hove, have quietly been crafting exceptional sauvignon blanc on their tiny 8ha vineyard since arriving from France in 1996. You’ll be forgiven for not having heard of them, they fly … Read More
No.1 Family Estate Assemblé Methode Marlborough NV
Well jingle my jandals if this isn’t the very first bubbles released as ‘Methode Marlborough’. A 60:40 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay crafted by Daniel Le Brun, a Champagne-born champion of delicate, creamy, chalky citrus-laced loveliness. There’s a soft, almost cashew-like character in the mid-palate in this finely-tuned fizz and it’s seamlessly elegant. It’s … Read More
Fickle Mistress Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 $25 (3.5 stars)
I’m really not a fan of frilly, femme-driven labels and packaging, but the wine inside more that makes up for it. Rich, cherry-laden and loaded with red berry and blossom notes, it’s full, generously proportioned and fun. She’s not necessarily that elegant, but she’ll definitely show you a good time. Widely available.
Clark Estate Marlborough Noble Pinot Gris 2013 375ml $13.50 (5 stars)
Very sexy and golden in the glass, with a glossy yellow diamond colour, there’s an instant “I want that now!” desire as soon as you see it poured. Aromas of honey, beeswax and musk lead to roast quince, peach and pear on the palate. The acidity is refreshing and balances out the intense natural sweetness … Read More