Osawa’s chardonnay vines send their roots down deep into the soils on a river terrace about 30 minutes west of Hastings, where the boulders along the rows are so big they’re called “Mangatahi Swedes” by the local farmers. With aromas of grilled grapefruit, struck match, flinty intensity and lemony notes – it’s hard to pull … Read More
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Little Angel Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $20.00 (3 stars)
I love this pinot gris because its so subtle and gentle and crisp and showing lovely pear and baked apple and hints of toasty, creamy spices. Crafted by the good folk at boutique Bladen wines, it’s a really crowd-pleasing style. www.bladen.co.nz
Karikari Estate Northland Chardonnay 2014 $45 (5 stars)
Creamy, creamy and creamy! Prepare for a tidal wave of tropical gloriousness to break and crash across the nose and palate. Sweet fruit concentration, macadamia and cashew complexity to create a butterscotchy bodaciousness that’ll blindside you. Maturing beautifully, fresh and frolicsome, caramelised and concentrated. Absolutely gorgeous. www.karikariestate.co.nz
Felton Road Block 2 Central Otago Chardonnay 2016 $51 (5 stars)
Right in the front of the winery is the Elms Vineyard and this chardonnay comes from select vines, the oldest ones, within that site. Grown organically, and carefully shepherded into the bottle by winemaker Blair Walter, there’s a creamy, luxurious soul to this chardonnay, softly caramelised oak, roasted stonefruit and it’s impeccably balanced and sexy … Read More
Coopers Creek Single Barrel Select Vineyards Gisborne Vermentino 2017 $20.90 (4 stars)
Vermentino is the signature white wine of the Italian Island of Sardinia – but it hitched a ride over to Godzone and set up it’s own happy casa in Gisborne. Dry yet generously layered with apple, lemon and white peach, aromas of sea breezes and crushed shells, it’s crisp, tangy, rich and it absolutely sings … Read More
Aronui Single Vineyard Nelson Albariño 2016 $22.45 (4 stars)
The name ‘Aronui’ derives from ancient Māori mythology about the pursuit of knowledge and after a glass or two, you’ll definitely be schooled up on albariño’s awesomeness. Widely planted in northwest Spain and Portugal, it’s recognised as their best and most fashionable white grape – similar to sauvignon blanc for us I guess. I love … Read More
Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $29 (5 stars)
Get ready for a total quince-fest in every mouthful! Direct from one of New Zealand’s top organic wine producers comes a dry, texturally rich pinot gris, jam-packed with poached pear and spicy peach flavours. The first sip brings on layers of fine, grainy, tongue-tingly senses which keeps you dipping back into the glass. Fresh as … Read More
Straight 8 Estate Canterbury Riesling 2016 $18
Get set for lashings of lime, honeysuckle, lemonade and loads of tropical tastiness in this little cracker from Canterbury. Named after the 1935 Straight 8 Railton “Light Sports” car which is on display in their Burnham cellar door, it boasts buckets of natural sweetness and just the right amount of crunchy acidity to balance it … Read More
Framingham F-Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $34.99
Just 850 individually-numbered bottles were made of this luxurious, luscious pinot gris by Andrew Hedley and his scarily talented team at Framingham – so be quick to nab your bottle of this nashi-infused, roast pear and poached quince-soaked example before it’s all gone. Sweet yes, but seriously refreshing and tangy and boasting caramelized concentration on … Read More
San Pedro Gato Negro Valle Central Chardonnay 2014 $12.99
This chardonnay is tasting a tad tired and is rather dry and mean-spirited in the glass. Lacking fruit or charm of any description, it has an odd, butyric acid edge to it (which is a polite way of saying it smells a bit like baby vom). Avoid. www.glengarrywines.co.nz