One Off Red Planet Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016

29 November 2018By Yvonne

One Off Red Planet Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 $35  Winemaker to the stars, Rod McDonald has had a ‘thing’ for Martinborough pinot noir and finally, he’s managed to get his mitts on a perfect parcel of fruit to play with for his ‘One Off’ series.  These are wines that are never repeated and in extremely … Read More

Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017

24 November 2018By Yvonne

Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 $29 Pinot Noir grown in Alexandra has its own personality and pluck.  Dry Gully are totally dependable to produce solid, cheek-slappingly glorious pinot noir year after year.  Intense cherry, tamarillo, tea leaf and rosehip tea all crash across the palate and leave a comet-tail of spice on the … Read More

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

17 November 2018By Yvonne

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $32.99  So ripe, rumpty and ready for action this pinot noir is just itching to serve with any food that’s got a squeak of spice in it.  It’s the intense cherry, clove, cocoa and berry bodaciousness that makes it so food friendly, while its softness and velvety structure makes … Read More

Providore Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017

15 November 2018By Yvonne

Providore Central Otago Pinot noir 2017 $39  Winemaker Pete Bartle upsticked from his native Hawke’s Bay in 2001 for the bright lights of Central Otago and it’s been veni, vidi, vici for him ever since. Now one of the region’s most highly awarded winemakers, Pete’s decided that since he’s earned access to some of the … Read More

Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011

27 October 2018By Yvonne

Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011 $80  It’s very easy to see why Lance Redgwell put a ring on it and announced at the time of release that this is his finest pinot vintage to date, because seven years on from harvest, it’s absolutely blowing my mind.  Sourced from a small 5.5 acre (3 hectare) … Read More

Lamont Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

28 September 2018By Yvonne

Lamont Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 Bendigo is the warmest of all Central Otago’s sub-regions and that results in pinot noir absolutely erupting with ripe berry, cherry and tamarillo-tastic tension in the mouth. It also captures that moody, mysterious sous bois characteristic of truffle, forest floor and tea leaf tannins. So incredibly vibrant, it … Read More

Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014

28 September 2018By Yvonne

Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $37 This Pete Bartle-crafted number is definitely on the tamarillo and tea side and a lipsmacking line of spice and a fresh, frisky acidity. Owned by the Zurakowski family, Archangel’s vineyard is located in the tiny sub-region of Queensberry (a 15-minute drive south of Wanaka), and it’s fast becoming … Read More

House of Ball Waipara Pinot Noir 2014

8 August 2018By Yvonne

House of Ball Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $41  Crafted by the husband and wife team of Julian and Lynda Ball, just 200 bottles were made of this bright, spicy, classic North Canterbury pinot noir.  Most of it is soaked up by their lucky B&B Guests, but if you contact them quick you could be in … Read More

Eight Ranges Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $38

4 May 2018By Yvonne

Brian Biggs has enlisted the legendary Matt Connell to craft this softly spiced, cherry cola scented sip.  Clean, precise, showing classic red fruits, a hint of cocoa, leafy notes and lovely, silky layers on the finish.

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $42.50

21 March 2018By Yvonne

Sometimes people describe pinot noir as being ‘feminine’ and I think the Peregrine could absolutely be that. Feminine insomuch as she’s tall, tanned, has long, sand-dusted hair, listens to Iron Butterfly and refuses to wear a bra-type of woman. A fabulously feral female is what this wine is. Exotic aromatics of spice, pot pourri, pomegranate … Read More