Gorgeous aromas of tamarillo, rooibos tea, craisins and fresh cherry wash across the nose and tastebuds. Cheviot is the sleepy little North Canterbury enclave responsible for this juicy, softly spiced and rather succulent pinot noir, and it even has a hint of red rose and raspberry on the finish. It’s perfumed, plush and seductive. Sip … Read More
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Diemersdal Dubanville Pinotage 2015 $25
Just because it has pinot noir as it’s Dad, don’t be lulled into thinking pinotage going to be safe as a cardigan and slippers, oh no. Its mum is crazy old cinsault and she injects some meaty tannins, deep plum, concentrated berry and chocolate flavours, which make this an utterly unputdownable (technical term there) red … Read More
Ogier Heritages Cotes du Rhone 2014 $25
This wine is SO delicious and fruity and saturated with cherry cola, raspberry and black forest gateaux flavours, that I want to shout from the rooftops how much I love it! A blend of grenach, syrah and cinsault, its texture is toasty and mouthwatering and edged with peppercorn, blueberries, cocoa and redcurrant characters. It’s fleshy, … Read More
Ocone Piedrosso del Sannio Plutone 2015 $22
Plutone is the name of the grape grown by the good people at Ocone for this wine from the Campagnia region of Italy. It’s the first time I’ve tasted it and I’m loving the fresh, spicy, slap in the face florals of this spunky red. Tangy, lush and leafy, it’s got huge vibrancy and life … Read More
Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $45
Don’t fret if you’re staring at this wine thinking it’s a little less glossy than others. Be happy because winemakers Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer, haven’t fined or filtered it, opting instead to keep the wine in its pure authentic state. A state of black tea, cherry and mixed spice intensity. The palate is tightrope … Read More
Ernesto Catena Animal Natural Vineyards Malbec 2013 $31
I was seduced by the rich, sweet choco-espresso note on the nose and the lift of dried herb and earthy, succulence in this little bit of magic from Mendoza, Argentina. It’s deliciously balanced and juicy and I love the layers of liquorice, wild pork and pepper and I also just love love love the label! … Read More
Sticks Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $29
Here’s an ultra-fresh, leafy cabernet that’s loaded with blackberry, boysenberry and ribsticking raspberry notes. The acidity is gentle, yet adds to the powdery grip of the tannins around your back teeth. There’s even a smidge of roast beetroot and cocoa powder on the finish also. Sip with: venison burgers For local stockists email daberhart@redwhitecellar.co.nz
Flying Sheep Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $35
Crafted by the talented team at Osawa Wines comes this berry-focused, plum-packed and velvety textured red. I love the red fruit, pepper and dried herb layers that are stitched together with solid acidity and sinewy tannins. Sip with: truffled beef tournedos www.osawawines.co.nz
Esk Valley The Hillside Hawke’s Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $69
Esk Valley’s ‘The Terraces’ is a magical blend of fruit grown in a tiny, 28 year old terraced vineyard overlooking the winery. Occasionally there are stunning parcels of wine which don’t make it into the final blend and winemaker Gordon Russell has decided to create this, a sister blend called Hillside. Rich, powerful and erupting … Read More
Clearview Enigma 2015 $55
I’m not one to tease, but in this case I kind of have to because if I don’t give you a heads-up on how good it is, then when it’s released in a couple of months you may miss out, and the wine will remain, an enigma. With its glossy, inky, crimson-black colour, seductive perfume … Read More