If you thought great New Zealand pinot noir only poured out of Central Otago, then here’s a nugget of knowledge for you. Waipara is fast becoming where it’s at. Well, this week it was anyway, with the announcement that the Greystone ‘Brothers Reserve’ 2012 ($69) scooped the prestigious International Pinot Noir Trophy at the Decanter … Read More
waipara
Sherwood Estate RD1 Waipara Syrah 2010
Sherwood Estate RD1 Waipara Syrah 2010 $29 ★★★½ Dayne and Jill Sherwood have been growing grapes and making wine in Canterbury for 25 years, and with expert guidance from winemaker Petter Evans they’ve managed to add a tasty little southern syrah to their repertoire. Lots of sweet, juicy red fruits on the nose and palate with … Read More
Sherwood Estate No.8 Wire Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Sherwood Estate No.8 Wire Waipara Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $24 There’s a lot of sauvignon blanc planted in the North Canterbury region of Waipara, but it’s good to see some producers testing the boundaries of what it’s capable of, rather than staying in the safe old stainless steel camp. Fermented with wild yeasts in old french … Read More
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $19 White peach, lemon peel and fresh floral aromas lead to an ultra-clean, bracingly fresh mouthfeel that smacks of citrus and lime-laden loveliness. The finish is sorbet-like, crisp and lengthy, it’s truly superb stuff and it’s quite unbelievable that it costs less than twenty dollars. www.terraceedge.co.nz Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 … Read More
Sherwood Estate Waipara Syrah 2009
Sherwood Estate’s 2009 Syrah ($28) was the lucky last wine in the line and I loved its classic blackcurrant, pepper and violet aromas, concentrated fruit sweetness and layers of spice and texture.
Bellbird Spring Block 8 Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Bellbird Spring ‘Block Eight’ Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($31) Beautifully aromatic, showing soft, finely tuned oak influence, elderflower, white peach and lemony characters. It’s a stunning exercise in restraint with all the flavours and textures working in harmony, finishing with complex minerality and excellent persistence of flavour. www.bellbirdspring.co.nz
Black Estate Omihi Series Chardonnay 2010
Black Estate Omihi Series Waipara Chardonnay 2010 $31 If this is the standard of chardonnay Waipara is capable of then that makes me a very excited girl indeed. I love the way it smells like fresh peach and pineapple spread on a buttered crumpet. In the mouth it’s vibrant, concentrated and creamy, with silky … Read More
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $18 Wow! Delicious jazz apple aromas and a super-tangy melange of apple crumble, pear and squinty quince flavours burst open in the mouth. I really like the crispness and elegant length of flavour in this wine too; plus it’s just fantastic with slivers of parmesan cheese dipped in liquid honey. … 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