Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013

14 August 2015By Yvonne

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $39 ★★★★ This’ll probably sound really weird, but I love that this pinot smells like moss-covered tree trunks in the rain, lush and earthy, with a layer of black tea, cherry and baking spices.  Fresh and juicy to drink, with pleasantly drying tannins, this well-crafted pinot has lovely fruit … Read More

Real Compania De Vinos Tempranillo 2013

14 August 2015By Yvonne

Real Compania De Vinos Tempranillo 2013 $16 ★★★½ Super-fruity and packed with dark berries, cocoa nib and smoky, coconut and coffee notes, there’s a gentle, spicy, velvety mouthfeel in this Spanish sip which finishes with solid, chewy tannins.  www.winesale.co.nz

Fantini Farnese Sangiovese 2013

14 August 2015By Yvonne

Fantini Farnese Sangiovese 2013 $19 ★★★½ Prepare yourself for really unusual aromas of smoky ham hock, vanilla, nutmeg and pepper, which all merge into a rich, leathery palate.  Smooth and savoury, it’s an interesting, meaty sip sourced from Italy.  www.atouchofitaly.co.nz

Pirramimma McLaren Vale Petit Verdot 2012

14 August 2015By Yvonne

Pirramimma McLaren Vale Petit Verdot 2012 $32 ★★★★ Petit Verdot is one of just six permitted varieties allowed in Bordeaux, but it’s a rare find outside of France, and even more so as a single example.  With aromas of dusty tobacco leaf, white pepper, cherry and dried herbs, followed by blueberry and fruitcake spice flavours … Read More

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012

14 July 2015By Yvonne

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012 $32 ★★★★½ Even if you were somehow blind to the bling on the label (gold medals for Africa here) you’d know as soon as you took the first sip that this wine is astonishingly tasty.  It’s scented with red rose, dried herbs, cocoa and ripe black fruits, … Read More

RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013

14 July 2015By Yvonne

RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013 $12.95 ★★★½ Here you’ve got a rich, heady, spicy, plum-driven 100% Tempranillo from the Campo de Cariñena that’s dangerously easy to drink.  Tangy berries, cherries and savoury, leathery notes on the finish should make this a no brainer with burgers. www.moorewilson.co.nz

Mas Buscados Tempranillo Petit Verdot 2013

14 July 2015By Yvonne

Mas Buscados Tempranillo Petit Verdot 2013 $16.95 ★★★½ The grapes are grown by three hombres called ‘Paco’ and the winemaker is Brent King, a gringo kiwi.  With a grippy, grizzly mouthfeel awash with cherry, berry and pepper flavours, make sure you feed it with meat. For stockists contact importer Bennett & Deller 09 3789463 info@bdwine.co.nz

Valtier Reserva Tempranillo Bobal 2007

14 July 2015By Yvonne

Valtier Reserva Tempranillo Bobal 2007  $17.95 ★★★★ Bobal is a Spanish native, which makes up 50% of this deliciously mature, Valencia-grown blend.  It’s a smooth, vanilla-dusted red, oozing liquorice, cedar and dark fruit.  Superb value.  www.lacantina.co.nz

Beso de Vino Seleccion 2011

14 July 2015By Yvonne

Beso de Vino Seleccion 2011  $15.95 ★★★½ ‘Beso de Vino’ translates to “kiss of wine” and this blend of syrah and garnacha is basically the full pash.  Sweet mocha, anise, pepper and berries make this a plush, cuddly sip.  www.thegoodwine.co.nz  

Marqués de Riscal Proximo 2011

14 July 2015By Yvonne

Marqués de Riscal Proximo 2011 $21 ★★★½ With flavours reminiscent of dust and dubbin on an old leather boot, with hints of berries in the background, this earthy wine has soft, stretchy tannins and a gentle finish.  www.stvincentscave.com