My first taste of this wine was a few years before the millennium and back then I was told the name represented something that led the way that stood ahead of the pack and steered you in the right direction. This new vintage lives up to its reputation of focus and drive. A Helmsman is … Read More
Archives
Vinetti De Fiorini Chianti Superiore DOCG 2014 $25
Grapes for a Superiore can come from any of the sub-regions within the region of Chianti. Superiore wines must be aged for at least nine months before release and must be approved by the Official DOCG Commission. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have been crafted into a super-smooth, savoury red, edged with wild … Read More
Fattoria Di Basciano Chianti Rùfina DOCG 2015 $25.80
Located in the foothills of the Apennine’s, Rùfina is the smallest subregion of Chianti but also on of the most well-known. This Basciano is heaving with succulent red fruits, dried herbs and liquorice layers. It is velvety, sexy, savoury and I love it! Fact: Chianti Rùfina can’t be released for 12 months after harvest, six … Read More
Grati Chianti Rùfina DOCG 2015 $22.80
This blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo Nero and 3% Colorino is a lightly-styled, spicy red that will clear the nose and soothe the throat on the first smiff and sip. Wild strawberry, cherry and peppery notes on the nose lead to a soft, fruit-saturated mouthfeel and a suede-like finish. Sip with: Minestrone with prosciutto … Read More
Nautilus Southern Valleys Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $39 (4 stars)
Blended from a selection of Nautilus Wairau Valley vineyard sites, this is delicately scented, and elegantly poised on the palate. It is seriously smooth and supple, with red fruits like pomegranate, raspberry, red cherry and redcurrant just peaking their pretty faces above the core of savoury, earthy flavours. Soft, plush and perfect with duck liver … Read More
Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $69.99 (5 stars)
Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard is located on the ridge that divides the Brancott and Omaka Valleys and it’s divided into 6 separate blocks with differing aspects, elevation and slopes. Pinot noir grown on clay-based soils seem to possess a unique depth of flavour and I’m a huge fan. Matured for 11 months in 33% new … Read More
Nautilus Awatere River Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $62.99 (4.5 stars)
Nautilus’ Awatere River vineyard is a small, terraced site approximately 25 kilometres upstream on the north bank of the Awatere River and Pinot was planted there in 1999. Nineteen years on, those vines are turning out super-concentrated fruit that just dances into the bottle. Silky and seductive, there’s a sniff of toast from 11 months … Read More
Whistling Buoy Half Acre Vineyard Banks Peninsula Pinot Noir 2016 $42 (4 stars)
The Half Acre vineyard grows on a north-facing, sun-soaked site located on the southern flank of Lyttleton Harbour and the vines were only 16 years old when this vintage was produced. Vibrant wild berry and hedgerow aromas lead to a palate awash with spice and smoky notes. The tannins have grip which get the saliva … Read More
Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (5 stars)
Wow. Here’s one ultra-juicy, exotically-scented, super-charged pinot noir from under the southern sun. Kokolo is a vineyard on a sheltered site at the head of Lyttleton and clearly the grapes live the dream there, because the resulting wine is a smile in a bottle. Fresh, luscious, spice-infused and dusted with cocoa, it’s tannins are plucky … Read More
Passage Rock Reserve Waiheke Island Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014 $50
This is Passage Rock’s flagship red. Using only the best looking and best behaved berries, the winemaking team have fashioned a deliciously dense and sultry wine, perfumed with bouquet garni herbs, dark cocoa, espresso and smoke. Ribsticking and robust to drink, it has dusty tannins, fresh fruit saturation and marathon-like length of flavour. Sip with: … Read More