Hands up if you even knew tempranillo was being grown in Hawke’s Bay? Not many if any I’ll vouch. The grape responsible for producing the great Rioja’s of Spain has found a happy home smack bang in the middle of the Gimblett Gravels and it’s thriving. Chock full of intense dark berries, intense dark cocoa, … Read More
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Giesen The Brothers Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $29 (4 stars)
Scooping silver at the NZ International Wine Competition is no mean feat, but this intensely cherry and berry-focused pinot noir hits all the sweet spots. Succulent, juicy mildly spiced and nicely balanced, there’s an earthy, generosity with this wine that I really like. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Wet Jacket Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $39
Named by owner Greg Hay after Wet Jacket Arm in Fiordland National Park, it harks back to nature always having the upper hand. Well the grape gods were smiling on the fruit for this vintage, because its intensely luscious forest floor aromas burst out of the glass and do macarena with cherry, raspberry liquorice, redcurrant … Read More
Thomas Goss McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 $18.99
Boasting more bling on its grill than Lil Wayne or Lil Bow Wow, or in fact any of the “Lil’s”, this shiraz has clearly shown it’s at the top of its game as far as wine competitions are concerned. Inky dark, glossy in the glass and bursting with boysenberry and blackcurrant characters on the nose … Read More
Eight Ranges Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $38
Brian Biggs has enlisted the legendary Matt Connell to craft this softly spiced, cherry cola scented sip. Clean, precise, showing classic red fruits, a hint of cocoa, leafy notes and lovely, silky layers on the finish.
Renato Estate Nelson Pinot Noir 2016 $25.90 (4 stars)
The grape gods must have been smiling on Renat Nussbaumer and his tiny Nelson vineyard in 2016. The fruit ripened beautifully, giving wine that roars with spiciness and the acidity is zesty-fresh and feisty. I get some soy and black tea amongst the usual cherry-suspects. www.renatoestate.co.nz
Cypress Terraces Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2013 $42
2013 had winemakers across Hawke’s Bay fizzing. It was perfection, especially if you were making syrah. Gus Lawson knew the fruit he’d harvested from his steep hillside site overlooking the Gimblett Gravels was gold and 4 years on, the proof is in the sipping. Velvety smooth and layered with the lightest pepper, violet and cocoa … Read More
Nobody’s Hero Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $19.99
Crafted by the good folk at Framingham, Nobody’s Hero is a rather punked up pinot with a bullet belt, tight tartan pants and a Sid Vicious bum flap, but texts his mum every day and has more showers than is deemed cool. Packed with cherry-cola characters, tamarillo and rosehip tea and a dusting of cocoa, … Read More
My notes on Obsidian Waiheke Island new releases…
Obsidian Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2017 $48 The stylish, chablis-like elegance of this wine makes it a showstopper for me. I love the purity of fruit, intense citrus, and minerality on the mid-palate, peachy backbone and the dusting of subtle nutty notes on the finish. It’s a beautifully balanced example and I’m officially obsessed with … Read More
Supper Club Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $22.99 (3.5 stars)
If you’re looking for a lightly-styled, lush, plush pinot noir that’s sewn together with spice, and rosehip tea, then this may be for you. It’s slippery and soft, with an earthy undertone and decent length of flavour and if you’re magicking up some creamy mushroom pasta then here’s your match. For stockists near you phone … Read More