Perlage Quorum Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry NV $28 With soft, classic prosecco aromas of rising dough, lemon brioche, toasted almonds, preserved lemon and fresh, perfectly prickly textures on the palate. It’s a crisp, clean, classically structured sparkler with a long, lengthy, deliciously dry finish. It’s the kind of prosecco that has depth and … Read More
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Privat Alella Organic Brut Reserva NV
Privat Alella Organic Brut Reserva NV $40 This incredibly fine-tuned cava is crafted organically and with zero sulphites from xarello macabeo, parellada, chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. It boasts a biscuity, lightly floral and slightly chalky perfume, licked with lemon and 15-20 months ageing on its lees (normally cava ages for only about 9 months) … Read More
Porters Estate Martinborough Cuvée Madeleine 2015
Porters Estate Martinborough Cuvée Madeleine 2015 $60 I thought I was across all the players in New Zealand’s fizz-mos-phere however, this gorgeous thing snuck up from nowhere, slapped my chops with lemony loveliness and walked me down the wild side in seconds flat. Winegrower John Porter is also a busy Wellington lawyer; white-collar or seedy … Read More
Te Awanga Estate Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling Cuvée 2018
Te Awanga Estate Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling Cuvée 2018 ($poa) Truth be told, I’ve not been a big fan of the sparkling sauvignon blanc style, but this little export-only lovely from Te Awanga Estate in Hawke’s Bay has more personality packed into it than a high school drama troupe (and we all know how OTT … Read More
Spy Valley Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012
Spy Valley Echelon Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012 $36.99 I was completely seduced by the tiny, fine bead inside the glass, white gold, glossy, aromas of rising dough, crusty bread, caramelised character and richly structured. Full, generous, incredibly elegant and finely structured in the mouth. So stylish, textural and incredibly satisfying. www.spyvalleywine.co.nz
Brown Brother’s King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011
Brown Brother’s Patricia King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011 $40 Showing gorgeous maturity and caramelised, biscuity complexity, nutty notes and crisp acidity and very pretty length of flavour. Smooth, seductive and drinking beautifully.
Moana Park Hawke’s Bay Blanc de Blanc NV
Moana Park Hawke’s Bay Blanc de Blanc NV $24.99 While the print on the label did remind me of a B&B bedspread and the brown writing is all a bit 1990’s wedding invitation, once that cork is popped, it’s all modern class and style. Scented with almond, lemon shortbread and cream, there’s an underlying bagel … Read More
Junction Wines Central Hawke’s Bay Persistence 2017
Junction Wines Central Hawke’s Bay Persistence 2017 $22 A top-secret blend of white grapes grown on the limestone-packed Takapau Plains in Central Hawke’s Bay has been crafted into this incredibly stylish, sophisticated sparkling wine by Leith Ashworth. Soft marzipan and lemon notes on the nose merge with silky-soft citrus, clean biscuity complexity and a pillowy, … Read More
Fontanafredda Le Fronde Moscato d’Asti 2013
Fontanafredda Le Fronde Moscato d’Asti 2013 $35 At just 5% alcohol, this is a super-light, super-sweet little sip that’ll perk up even the most jaded tastebuds. Forget any past experiences with bad old, mass-produced Asti because this is the genuine article. Pure, uncut awesomeness. With a deliciously delicate, creamy mousse, lifted, musky apricot and honeysuckle … Read More
Petane Station Hawke’s Bay Pét-Nat Chardonnay 2018
PETANE STATION HAWKE’S BAY PÉTILLANT NATUREL 2018 $38 “Pet Nat” is the thing. Everyone’s doing it – but not everyone is doing it well. Petane Station have crafted their debut example from chardonnay and while it’s got citrus hallmarks of classic chard, grapefruit, lemon et al, there’s a soft funkiness and spritzig. In fact beware the … Read More