The glossy coppery-topaz colour of this wine is exactly the type of sparkly-type of thing that lures women like me into all sorts of potentially un-ladylike activity. It smells like that glorious mélange of mixed peel, currants, raisins and sultanas soaking in masses of melted butter and booze that is ones traditional Christmas cake batter, … Read More
marlborough
Gibson Bridge Reserve Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2014 $28 (4 stars)
If you thought that gewürztraminer was always going to be blousy, sweet and musky; then prepare for an eye-popper in every sip. Dry, tangy, yet lean and lithe on the palate with an edge of lychee, manuka honey and a sprinkling of dusty, chalkiness on the finish. It’s a style of gewürztraminer grown on the … Read More
Gibson Bridge Barrique Ferment Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013 $46.99 (4.5 stars)
Howard and Julie Simmonds have made it their mission to turn out tiny amounts of stylish, complex wines with truckloads of character. Only 1800 bottles of this gris were produced and it’s crafted in a dry, toasty style which amps up the interest. Fresh tropical and quince characters on the nose, lead to musky, chai … Read More
Pa Road Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $14.99 (4 stars)
If you’re keen for a smoky, struck match, toasty, roasty chardonnay that’s redolent (did I just say ‘redolent’?) of grilled grapefruit, charred pineapple and all manner of caramelized complexity – then this is your poison. Darn yummy, and will appeal to old-school chardonnay lovers who love that nutty, creamy character on the finish. Widely available … Read More
Jules Taylor OTQ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $32.95 (4 stars)
Sourced from Jules’ Plunkett Vineyard, this is quite unlike most Marlborough sauvignon blanc out there, in that the acidity is softer, just the faintest pinprick like texture around the gumline, creamy layers of citrus, basil, passionfruit sorbet and fleshed out with white pepper and a lemongrassy note on the finish. It’s a complex, sexy sauvignon … Read More
Babich Headwaters Marlborough Albarino 2015 $22.99 (5 stars)
Intoxicating initial aromas of wildflower pollen and sunbaked limestone are followed by an intensely juicy, citrus-forward series of flavours in this local version of a Spanish classic. I love the deliciously chalky layers on the finish and it’s lipsmackingly fresh length of flavour. Organically grown and created with excellent attention to detail – it’s a … Read More
Delta Hatters Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $34 (5stars)
I really enjoy this kind of pinot noir, the kind that packs a punch with a fistful of fruit in a cloud of sexy spices. Plush cherry and raspberry layers are interwoven with sweet black tea and allspice on the nose and palate, the acidity adds succulence and juiciness to the mouthfeel and the tannins … Read More
Churton Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Churton Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $44 Biodynamic winegrowing is where the Weaver family of Waihopai Valley excel, so when the winemaker offers to show you his “poo pits” I suggest you accept with a smile because (weirdly) they’re actually rather inspiring. This pinot erupts with bright berries, tangy black tea and sweet dark fruit concentration. … Read More
Ka Tahi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Ka Tahi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $15 ★★★ Wow! Super-fruity and loaded with lemon, peach, passionfruit and lime, this is a snappy sauvignon that will really please the crowds. It’s not an intellectual wine by any stretch, it’s just a Make sure you serve it chilled down to enhance the tangy texture. For stockists near … Read More
Sacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015
Sacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $19 ★★★½ The aromas of this wine remind me of old school eskimo lollies from the pick’n’mix bins at the supermarket. Soft cornflower florals, pear, hints of apple and sweet confection. On the palate however it’s a different story, with the team at Sacred Hill producing a clean, tangy, … Read More