39°below Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2016 $25 Paul McEvoy has created one of the smoothest, cuddliest, most dangerously drinkable blends of merlot and cabernet that I’ve had the pleasure of slipping down my esophagus in a long time. Erupting with vanilla, sweet, smoky layers, buckets of ripe berries and soft plum on the nose and … Read More
Archives
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017
Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $32.99 So ripe, rumpty and ready for action this pinot noir is just itching to serve with any food that’s got a squeak of spice in it. It’s the intense cherry, clove, cocoa and berry bodaciousness that makes it so food friendly, while its softness and velvety structure makes … Read More
Providore Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017
Providore Central Otago Pinot noir 2017 $39 Winemaker Pete Bartle upsticked from his native Hawke’s Bay in 2001 for the bright lights of Central Otago and it’s been veni, vidi, vici for him ever since. Now one of the region’s most highly awarded winemakers, Pete’s decided that since he’s earned access to some of the … Read More
Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011
Cambridge Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2011 $80 It’s very easy to see why Lance Redgwell put a ring on it and announced at the time of release that this is his finest pinot vintage to date, because seven years on from harvest, it’s absolutely blowing my mind. Sourced from a small 5.5 acre (3 hectare) … Read More
Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2017
Mills Reef Reserve Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2017 $24 Bold, juicy and ready for action, this velvety-smooth red has cocoa, dark cherry, plum and peppery warmth on the palate. It’s fleshy, beautifully textured and fabulous with moussaka. www.millsreef.co.nz
Lamont Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016
Lamont Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 Bendigo is the warmest of all Central Otago’s sub-regions and that results in pinot noir absolutely erupting with ripe berry, cherry and tamarillo-tastic tension in the mouth. It also captures that moody, mysterious sous bois characteristic of truffle, forest floor and tea leaf tannins. So incredibly vibrant, it … Read More
Collaboration Wines Impression Rosé 2018
Collaboration Wines Impression Rosé 2018 $25 Crafted from 100% cabernet franc grapes from winemaker Julz Brogden’s favourite sites around Hawke’s Bay, this rosé is a total standout. I love that it’s dry, snappy and sophisticated and shows amazing length of flavour. So elegant and stylish, yet it also boasts superb body, bodaciousness and texture. Yummo!
Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014
Archangel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $37 This Pete Bartle-crafted number is definitely on the tamarillo and tea side and a lipsmacking line of spice and a fresh, frisky acidity. Owned by the Zurakowski family, Archangel’s vineyard is located in the tiny sub-region of Queensberry (a 15-minute drive south of Wanaka), and it’s fast becoming … Read More
Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017
Palacio de Oriente Rioja Tempranillo 2017 $16.99 Here’s a fresh, feisty new tempranillo that oozes masses of dark cherry, cocoa, liquorice and dusty earthy notes on the nose and palate, but don’t be expecting a smooth, lazy sip, hell no. It’s a muscular, sinewy sip that takes no prisoners on the texture front, so expect … Read More
Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015
Obsidian Waiheke Island Vitreous 2015 $31.50 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this is how classic Bordeaux-style reds are composed. Aromatically this wine is mindblowingly elegant and hearty at the same time. I love the lithe, slippery texture, peppery mid-palate and marathon-like length of flavour. Gorgeous.