Catherine and Crawford Brown are best known for their intensely bold and succulent pinot noir. However when I discovered this little pearla of a riesling, I was completely seduced. Only tiny amounts are made of this incredibly bright, shiny riesling which bursts with crystalline lime, squeaky, silica-dusted green apple and a sexy little line of … Read More
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Ka Tahi Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 $19.99
There’s a bucketload of roast peach and ripe apricot on the nose of this big, bold and juicy chardonnay. With butterscotch aplenty, hints of grilled grapefruit, a solid seam of buttered toast and cinnamon, it really does feel like the gift that doesn’t stop giving. I say that because the finish is ultra-long and creamy … Read More
Theory & Practice Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $21.95
Crafted by wine consultant to the stars, Ant Mackenzie and his viticulturist brother Bryce, this is a cracker of a chardonnay that’s jam-packed with punchy peach, juicy tropical fruit and gorgeous grilled citrus notes. It also boasts caramelised, toasty characters all edged with creamy, custard square pastry-like notes. It hits that sweet spot between ‘balanced … Read More
Cottier Estate Emily Gladstone Chardonnay 2015 $21.50
Chardonnay from the Wairarapa is one of my favourite things because it’s just so versatile. This is one of those styles that hits the middle of the lane where the stonefruit and citrus has a roasted, toasted nature to it and there’s a distinct nutty note on the finish. Yet it’s not weighed down by … Read More
Brightwater Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $20.00
Nelson might be claiming fame as the ‘aromatics capital’ of the country, but Garry and Valley Neale at Brightwater are determined their sauvignon blanc isn’t ignored. They don’t need to worry. I love the bright, lemony and floral flavours that leap from the glass and there’s classic elderflower and passionfruit for Africa. Tangy, generous and … Read More
Ant Moore Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $22.95
How pretty is this label? Almost as pretty as the gorgeous, organically produced, passionfruit fest inside the bottle I reckon. Incredibly tropical and herbaceous, this sauvignon is super sexy and erupts with pea pod, rubbed basil, lemonade and lime curd notes all over the place. Ant Moore is serious talent when it comes to winemaking … Read More
Seresin Chiaroscuro Marlborough Pinot Gris/Riesling/Chardonnay 2012 $43.00
Named after an ancient artistic term to describe the contrast of light and dark, in the 2012 Chiaroscuro, Seresin’s winemakers have created something altogether mesmeric. A blend of three co-fermented (where different grapes are crushed, juiced and fermented together) parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, it shows enticing, mineral-driven aromas with hints of toasted … Read More
Expatrius Advenus Waiheke Sauvignon/Viognier 2013 $39.50
Sauvignon blanc blended with viognier? Get out of the CBD! Yet Luc Desbonnet is a winemaker without boundaries, just a desire to create gorgeous white wine styles. I think he’s onto something with this quirky combo. The juice of both varieties is fermented in a combo of tanks and in new oak barrels to create … Read More
Gibson Bridge Barrique Ferment Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013 $46.99
Howard and Julie Simmonds have made it their mission to turn out tiny amounts of stylish, complex wines with truckloads of character. Only 1800 bottles of this gris were produced and it’s crafted in a dry, toasty style which amps up the interest. Fresh tropical and quince characters on the nose, lead to musky, chai … Read More
Tesch Krone Laubenheimer Riesling 2013 $39.00
If riesling with a kiss of green apple, lime and ripe peachiness sounds like a bit of you, then wait until you sip this dry little dazzler. Tesch’s Krone vineyard in the town of Laubenheim, lies directly next to the Löhrer Berg on an eyewateringly steep slope consisting of coarse, decalcified loess and weathered sandstone … Read More