For a red that’s only just been bottled and released, this is drinking darn gorgeously. Ripe, round, plush plum and milk chocolate notes on the nose and palate, it’s dangerously smooth and velvety in the mouth and boasts a long, warming finish. Subtle fruitcake spices, pepper and hints of red berry add to the fruit … Read More
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Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Crofters Syrah 2015 $22 ★★★½
If you’re after pure peppercorn and light violet layers in your syrah then you’ve come to the right place. A brisk, sandy texture in the mid-palate and some punchy plum and boysenberry fruit forces its way across the tongue and around the back teeth. The finish is juicy and bright, moderately spicy and definitely nicey. … Read More
Crafters Union Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $22 (3.5 stars)
So this wine may come in a decidedly non-pinot noir shaped bottle, we here at WineFriend are happy to encourage a little disruption in tradition, especially when it looks so darn cool. Here’s a lighter style with hints of leather and dusty berry and cherry notes on the nose and palate. Fresh and slightly grippy … Read More
Sacred Hill HALO Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2014 $28 (4.5 stars)
Holy hand harvest batman! What a wine! It’s tricky to even start explaining how glorious this wine smells – but I’ll do my best for you. Vanilla, soft boysenberry, cocoa, caramelised walnuts and smoked plums – how does that sound? To drink, it’s fresh, vibrant, woven together with muscular tannins and extended with a marathon-like … Read More
Howard Park Leston Shiraz 2012 $43 (4.5 stars)
When wines like this arrive at the Lorkin office, I do my happy dance. I’d never make the cast of Limbs, or be given a place in Parris Goebel’s Royal Family, but my enthusiasm more than makes up for the lack of coordination. This shiraz absolutely bursts with clean, peppery spices. It’s also awash with … Read More
Millars Vineyard Syrah 2014 $25 (4.5 stars)
Take the little bendy track called Bush Lane above Mangawhai beach, and you’ll find the small but perfectly formed vineyard belonging to Ross Millar. He grows tiny amounts of darn lovely wine and this syrah is no exception. Ultra-pure peppercorn characters on the nose merge with lifted violet, dark cherry, blueberry and juicy, succulent fruit … Read More
Unison Gimblett Gravels Rocky Red 2014 $22 (4 stars)
Phil and Terry Horn have absolutely immersed themselves in a Hawke’s Bay life in wine ever since taking ownership of the 6ha, Gimblett Gravels icon Unison Vineyard in 2008. With the help of expert winemaker Jenny Dobson, they have elevated the quality of their reds to stratospheric levels. This ‘Rocky’ merlot cabernet blend follows the … Read More
Karikari Esate Calypso Northland Merlot 2014 $27 (3.5stars)
If you were looking for New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard then you’ve come to the right place. The heat bakes those vines and the breezes which gust in from the coast directly below the peninsula keep the bunches dry and clean. Winemaker Alan Collinson uses wild, natural yeasts to ferment the juice, which adds to the … Read More
Domain Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2012 $39 (5 stars)
If a wine could actually shout from the rooftops “I’m Central Otago pinot noir dangnabbit!!” then this would be that wine. I love the lift of rhubarb leaf, juicy cherry, dark plum and tea leaf loveliness in every sniff and the fact that all these flavours osmose onto the palate just adds an extra bit … Read More
Kaimira Estate Nelson Syrah 2011 $38 (3.5 stars)
A highly savoury wine, with aromas of cured meats, black olive and peppercorn dominating the nose and then coursing through onto the palate. Rooibos tea, dark cocoa and just the most subtle hints of rhubarb and leather also soak through, leaving a richly complex mouthfeel behind. Mellow and warming on the finish. Sip with: Lamb … Read More