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
marlborough
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
Delta Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22 (4.5 stars)
With its sweet pea, lemon and passionfruit aromas, this snappy sauvignon follows up with a softly fruited, tang-fest on the tongue. Made by star wine consultant Matt Thomson and sourced from a single vineyard in the Dillons Point sub-region – this sauvignon has herbaceousness, classic red capsicum and jalapeno characters and serious sippability. For info … Read More
Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2014 $35 (5 stars)
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
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