Lamb and Chorizo Sausage Plait (dish Aug Sept 2019) A fruit-forward, soft, plush pinot noir is exactly what this spicy, family-sized sausage roll. The Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 ($28) ticks all those boxes and more. Ripe cherry, raspberry and even a tiny squeak of beetroot all erupt from the glass and the flavours are … Read More
waipara
Mischief Waipara Pinot Gris 2018
Mischief Waipara Pinot Gris 2018 $22 Like a sensory cirque de soleil, this gris has impeccable balance, poise, bounce and bravery – just like the previous vintage but betterer. Some natural sweetness accentuates the nashi and apple notes on the nose and palate, yet the acidity is brisk and bracing, injecting delicious minerality into the … Read More
Mischief Waipara Riesling 2018
Mischief Waipara Riesling 2018 $22 If that’s not masses of mandarin and apricot leaping out of the glass and up your nostrils, then I’ll swallow a screwcap. The steampunk-attired, frisky fantail on the label stands atop a lemon tree and beside a buzzy bee, which is a dead giveaway for the fact that this riesling … Read More
Main Divide Pokiri Reserve North Canterbury Late Picked Pinot Gris 2014
Main Divide Pokiri Reserve North Canterbury Late Picked Pinot Gris 2014 $24.99 If you’re looking for indulgence on a 750ml scale, then you’ve come to the right cul-de-sac. With it’s intense, rose-gold colour, it looks like money in the glass and the nose explodes with toasty toffee, musky spices and baked stonefruit. Caramel and butterscotch … Read More
Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017
Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 $28 The Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 ticks all the boxes for plushness, fruit-forwardness and is one of those wines that’ll inject life into any occasion. Ripe cherry, raspberry and even a tiny squeak of beetroot all erupt from the glass and the flavours are soft, easy, plump and gentle … Read More
Main Divide Canterbury Merlot Cabernet 2017
Main Divide Canterbury Merlot Cabernet 2017 $18 If you’re a fan of berries and spice and all things nice, then this ripe and rumpty blend from the talented folk at Pegasus Bay will be right up your cul de sac. Brightly fruited on the nose and edged with a lick of leather and Christmas pudding … Read More
Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Chardonnay 2017
Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Chardonnay 2017 $43 Wow. Wow and triple wow. If the immense punch of grilled grapefruit, buttered crumpet, and hints of smoked bacon and popcorn doesn’t send you sideways, the powerful, weighty, woof-inducing complexity on the palate definitely will. Sourced from old vines and matured on its yeast lees in 30% new … Read More
Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2016
Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2016 $54 As soon as this niceness from North Canterbury nibbles its way up your nostrils, you’ll need to grab hold of a piece of solid furniture to ensure you remain upright enough to put it in your mouth safely. The wobble factor is a result of the exotically … Read More
Saving Grace Waipara Chardonnay 2018
Saving Grace Waipara Chardonnay 2018 $27 This chardonnay is grown under the shadow of the Nor’West Arch in a spot sheltered by the Teviotdale hills. Classic North Canterbury chardonnay here, with peachy, brulee and cashew characters on the nose and palate and a lingering, creamy mouthfeel. You won’t see much of it about as it’s … Read More
Torlesse Waipara Riesling 2016
Torlesse Waipara Riesling 2016 $20 I was really hoping for better with this riesling, having had some lovely experiences with previous vintages. However there’s something slightly soapy and flat on the nose of the 2016, and on the palate it lacks freshness and a sense of clean fruit. It’s unfortunately a little murky on the … Read More