Looking for something lipsmackingly dry, apple-driven and crunchy-fresh? Then you’ve come to the correct cul de sac in the Moulin de Gassac. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and a squeak of Terret and Viognier from the village of Villeveyracin the Thau Lagoon area of the Languedoc – it’s like a charge of … Read More
viognier
Johner Estate Gladstone Viognier 2015 $26 (4.5 stars)
One thing I’ve been treating myself to, as my family scoffs its way through our enormous 10+kilo Christmas ham, is some really excellent viognier. Viognier has the spicy floral aromatics of say, pinot gris, combined with the tropical, toasty richness of chardonnay, which makes it absolutely divine with any type of swine. This is one … Read More
Element Gimblett Gravels Viognier 2015 $25 (4 stars)
I LOVE the nose of this wine – it seduced me right from the first sip with its exotic orange zest, jasmine, citrus oil and classic caramelised complexity. It’s my favourite style, all rich, cuddly and luxuriously spicy and ready to morph into a meal in itself. But if you insist on pairing it with … Read More
Gladstone Estate Wairarapa Viognier 2016 $25 (5 stars)
Hands down, this is one of my favourite drinks of the season. Owner-slash-winemaker Christine Kernohan has done it again with this fresh, intensely floral viognier that just screams spiced citrus, jasmine and classic apricot kernel characters in every mouthful. Luxuriously tropical, it also hits that sweet spot of beautifully balanced, zingy acidity that so many … Read More
Wine column for week beginning Saturday 4th Feb 2017
It was 1999. I was earning $11 an hour working at Havelock North Wines & Spirits and I was in my first year of studying wine. I was extremely nerdy about it, never content to be one of those “C’s get degrees” folk. I wanted to ace that course, to soak up as much knowledge … Read More
RM Wines One Off Gisborne Marsanne Viognier 2015
It’s not often we see a local interpretation of this famously versatile Rhone-style blend. Pretty and golden in the glass and bursting with fig, flint, smoky stonefruit and smashed stones. In the mouth there’s a lovely layer of citrus and white peach, just-ripe apricot and oh-so-subtle honeyed notes. It’s a deliciously dry yet generously proportioned … Read More
Millton Les Arbres Clos de Ste Anne Gisborne Viognier 2013
Millton Les Arbres Clos de Ste Anne Gisborne Viognier 2013 $60 ★★★★★ Make no mistake; this is a wine you must try before you die. If you’re looking for the epitome of what can be achieved with viognier in this country then this is it. Deeply golden in the glass, this viognier socks you with … Read More
Mead and Millton
I’d like to start this column with a pun. It’s one of a collection of puns that won comedian David Kearse (a ‘Kearse on humanity’ as he calls himself) the Rubber Chicken award for Britain’s Top Pun Artist at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival held last week. It goes “Marvin Gaye kept a sheep in my … 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
Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010
Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010 $14 Textbook viognier aromatics here – orange oil, apricot and mandarin peel, while in the mouth it’s ripe, rich and boasts a lush, oily finish. It’s an in-your-face style with warming alcohol and good length of flavour – and is a great partner with sweet and sour … Read More