Such a deliciously earthy undercurrent sweeps across the nose and palate of this wine. Gold medal winner at last years Japan Wine Challenge, the Block 8 is a taut, tamarillo-laden lovely that’s edged with spice, wild fruits, bold acidity and chewy tannins – this Awatere Valley-grown pinot noir is definitely one to watch. Actually don’t … Read More
Archives
Corofin Settlement Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $49.90 (5 star)
With its ever-so-pale pink label of this Omaka Valley-grown pinot, you’d imagine it might be a lightweight, yet it’s as deeply complex and beguiling as a forbidden love. Un-fined and un-filtered, it boasts soft cherry and hedgerow fruits and smells like you’ve walked into a Chinese apothecary. Exotic, earthy and incredibly succulent to sip. Sip … Read More
Ata Rangi Crimson Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (4 stars)
The team at Ata Rangi are head-over-kite nuts about pohutukawa trees and re-establishing native rata in the lower North Island where it once flourished, henceforth, sales of every bottle of this succulent, juicy pinot go towards the Project Crimson charitable conservation trust. Tamarillo, spicy cherry and black quava burst forth on the nose and palate, … Read More
Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $26
Lately this corset-strapped strumpet of a wine has been throwing herself at everyone who looks in her direction or has their ears open, because she’s been bouncing her bustle all over big city radio too. If you’re a fan of big, buxom, cuddly, fruit-soaked pinot noir with a spicy kick then this will sort you … Read More
Lime Rock White Knuckle Hill Central Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2013 $60 (5 stars)
The White Knuckle is a vertigo-inducingly steep vineyard where large life insurance policies are necessary for the mug that loses the toss to tackle it with the tractor. It’s worth the pain and fear because the ripe cherry and spice-saturated flavours are sensational. Only made in years when the fruit is exceptional, it smells like … Read More
Bannock Brae Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $52
Heaving with black tea, soused cherries, tamarillo and truffle, this is a flavour-laden, silky-textured and seductive southern star. Beautifully juicy and edged with allspice, it’s a generously proportioned yet totally sophisticated performer; Adele in a bottle if you will. Sip with: pork and plum casserole. www.bannockbrae.co.nz
Charles Smith Boom Boom Washington State Syrah 2015 $23.74
Made in mighty Mattawa city, Washington, this is a syrah that’ll definitely appeal to those who love a hefty lick of liquorice in their reds. Loaded with buckets of spice which cuddles up to dark berries and soft cocoa notes. Explosive? I’d say it’s more touchy-feely, but darn tasty nonetheless. Sip with: Allyson Gofton’s Winemakers … Read More
Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Guido In Velvet Pants Huapai Montepulciano 2014 $26.60 (4.5 stars)
Dubbed ‘Guido’ after winemaker Simon Nunn’s work mate and super-cute Italian greyhound, whereas the ‘velvet pants’ bit has something to do with Carmelite nuns likening this smooth, ‘westie’ version of the famous Italian variety to a slippery son of God if you believe the rumours. With its intense berries, spice, liquorice layers and fuzzy, warming, … Read More
Askerne Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2015 $22.70 (4 stars)
Fans of softly structured, fleshy, fabulous merlot-dominated reds can kick off their shoes, flick on the telly and pour a glass of this and be confident that it’ll deliver in every respect. Dark red fruits, peppery, cocoa and dried herb characters, deliciously dusty tannins and a long, fresh finish make this a must sip with … Read More
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2016 $25 (4 stars)
This is literally the only grenache being produced in New Zealand, so best you get amongst it before its all gone! Crafted from 16-year-old vines growing in the company’s Ngakirikiri Vineyard, it’s a heaving monster of a wine, rammed with floral intensity and spiced berry and cherry flavours. The alcohol is 14.5% and its heat … Read More