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
viognier
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
Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010
Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010 $28 Scented with yellow plum, orange oil and frangipane. In the mouth it boasts citrus pith and musky, mid-palate seductiveness. Topped off with tangy, warming length of flavour and a nicely balanced 13.5% alcohol, this is definitely a drinkable example that works beautifully with apricot and sage-stuffed pork roast. www.millton.co.nz Millton … Read More
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009 $58 Yes it’s pricey but it’s oh so nicey! Mandarin and tangelo notes with classic apricot kernel and cheek-tingling texture and orange oil unctuosity. Delicious stuff from one of this country’s viognier pioneers, plus it’s organic and biodynamically produced so no doubt you’ll have … Read More
Radio NZ National Wine Recommendations 4th November 2011
Spent a superb couple of days in Marlborough last weekend at the bi-annual Marlborough Wine Weekend celebrations where wine fans like me got the chance to immerse ourselves in very focused, specialised tastings of different styles and wines from various sub-regions in some absolutely spectacular locations. It’s a great way to see how diverse our … Read More