Obsidian Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2017 $48 (5 stars)

May 6, 2018By Yvonne

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)

March 30, 2017By Yvonne

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

March 31, 2016By Yvonne

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

November 24, 2015By Yvonne

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

January 4, 2012By Yvonne

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