Montana Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $16.99 On the nose this chardonnay has creme brulee, Mackintosh’s ‘Harrogate’ and roast peach perfume, while on the palate it’s rich, decently structured and shows solid juiciness right through to the finish. It’s extremely gluggably good. Widely available.
Reserve
Obsidian Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2017 $48 (5 stars)
The stylish, chablis-like elegance of this wine made it an absolute showstopper for me. I love the purity of fruit, intense citrus and minerality on the mid-palate, its peachy backbone and the dusting of subtle nutty notes on the finish. It’s a beautifully balanced example that will leave you shaking your head in a state … 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
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $24 ★★★★½ I love the aroma of butterscotch, creamy peaches, buttered crumpets and on the palate expect exactly the same but followed by smooth, smoky notes, creamy citrus and gently tropical flavours that wash across a long, persistent finish. It’s a satisfying, old-school style. www.millsreef.co.nz
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015
Mills Reef Reserve Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2015 $24 ★★★★½ I love the heady quince, spiced apple and peach custard aromas, while in the mouth the wine has a sexy, creamy dryness. There’s a lovely rich, yet chalky texture to this wine and it’s all wrapped up in a long, full, finish. Clean, satisfying and … Read More
Church Road Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2010
Church Road Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2010 $40 I love the essence of orange oil, quince and wild flowers on the nose and the immediate burst of mandarin, apricot and soft spices in the mouth. Its lusciousness and mid-palate texture is absolutely divine and it’s a superb example of the style. One glass is just … Read More