TeePee Cider The Earl’s Drop Methode Albion Cider 2017 750ml 6.7% $28 Created by retired radiologist Dr Trevor Fitzjohn ONZM, TeePee is a new artisan cider crafted from a tiny, organic, heritage, cider apple orchard in the Wairarapa. The grass which grows around the trees is kept manicured by the nibbly trimming of ever-present sheep. … Read More
Wairarapa
The Flying Winemaker Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020
The Flying Winemaker Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020 $20 Wairarapa sauvignon blanc is seriously underrated in my book. Its distinctive lemongrass, soft herb, citrus and sweetpea signature is evident in this example by winemaker Eddie McDougall. Juicy, plush and layered with lemon and apple characters, it’ll bring the grins. Gladstone Vineyard
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2019 $36 A stylishly savoury pinot noir that’s been grown organically and carefully shepherded into the bottle by Ollie Wylie and Chief Winemaker Eddie McDougall, this is a style that is absolutely classic Gladstone. Cherry, tamarillo and dried herb layers wash across deliciously dusty tannins and compliment its supple acidity. … Read More
Alexia Restless Boy Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Alexia Restless Boy Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2020 $25 As the mother of a son, I totally identify with winemaker Jane Cooper’s comparison between this wine made up of loads of different techniques and styles, with her son being a ‘walking weather system’ and her young family bringing together the “big, beautiful, fragile messiness of life”. … Read More
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Chardonnay 2020
Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Chardonnay 2020 $30 Crafted from the southern Chardonnay vines growing in the Matahiwi home vineyard, this is the fourth vintage after it was planted back in 2013. If aromas of ultra-toasty oak, grilled grapefruit and peach are your thing, then you’ll be a happy camper. Combine them with frisky acidity … Read More
Le Grá Wairarapa Merlot 2018
Le Grá Wairarapa Merlot 2018 $30 This is a super-fresh style with youthful acidity that I’m sure will soften out over the next year or two. Intense boysenberry and blackberry flavours join forces with spicy oak notes and lengthy, elastic tannins. If you’re looking for bigand meaty, this is more fresh and leafy, but an … Read More
ME by Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2020
ME by Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2020 $20 Woah! If bright, bouncy, cherry-choc pinot noir is your jam then you’ve come to the right party here. Grown just outside of Masterton, home of the Golden Shears, the ME is one of those ripe, ready-for-action pinot noirs that absolutely scream Spring wedding, or a shindig … Read More
Urlar Gladstone Pinot Gris 2018
Urlar Gladstone Pinot Gris 2018 $25 Organically and Biodynamically grown and tended by viticulturist Bevan Lambess, and crafted into wine by Jannine Rickards, this wild, wooly and mineral-edged Pinot Gris will definitely appeal to those who prefer their gris on the dry side. 12% of the blend went in as ripe bunches that were fermented … Read More
Paulownia Estate Wairarapa Riesling 2014
Paulownia Estate Wairarapa Riesling 2014 $18 Golden in the glass and showing some classic dry riesling aromatics of apple and lime, toast and honey, however, it’s begun to lose its mid-palate freshness. Broadening out in the mouth, unfortunately. It’s an ok thing to drink, but sadly not as vibrant as I’m sure it once was. … Read More
Paulownia Estate Wairarapa Riesling 2015
Paulownia Estate Wairarapa Riesling 2015 $20 Fans of riesling that rolls on the dry side of the disco floor need to hurtle on over to the glass cabinet and pour themselves a splash of this asap. With classic lime and creamed honey notes on the nose, on the palate it becomes lovely and lean and … Read More