If you’re looking for a chardonnay bursting with hazelnut, citrus and hints of toast and smoke then this is for you. North Canterbury has real talent for producing chardonnay showing sensational minerality. Combine that with a skilled winemaker who can create creamy, nutty notes in the palate spectrum – then you’ve got a great little … Read More
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Silver Wing Waipara Chardonnay 2014 $27.00
Andrew Fox is one of the new players in Waipara, and he funds his tiny winemaking venture by being a builder and renovator during the week. One thing’s for sure, he can definitely buildreally interesting chardonnay. Creamy, nutty marshmallow notes and hints of grapefruit give it fruit saturation, while the wild yeast fermentation and philosophy … Read More
Grava Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $27.50
Alistair Gardner and Karla Falloon have crafted a classic, old school-styled sauvignon here from their deep, gravelly vineyard located in the rain shadow of the Rimutaka Range. I love the hints of sweetpea, fresh asparagus, elderflower, passionfruit, lime and preserved lemon on the nose and palate. It’s whole-bunch pressed instead of being traditional crushed, to … Read More
Soho Stella Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $25.00
Super zingy herbaceous and nettle-like notes pierce the nose and the mouth bursts with ripe passionfruit, lime and lingering, gum-tingling acidity. It’s a real ‘Ooh Aah’ style of sauvignon that’ll perk up even the most jaded palate. Made by Dave Clouston from vineyards in the upper Wairau Valley, it’s a crunchy, crisp style that roars … Read More
Misty Cove Waitaria Marlborough Organic Barrel White Wine 2016 $39.99 (5 stars)
This is one extremely gorgeous blended white that’ll induce wow’s around the table I’m sure. Winemaker Andrew Bailey has co-fermented organically-grown sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and chardonnay grown in his Waitaria Bay vineyard in Kenepuru Sound and matured it in new and matured French oak for 12 months. The result? A wine bursting with tropical … Read More
Nautilus Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $35 (5 stars)
Winemaker Clive Jones is a serious talent. How he’s able to force so much flavour into this bottle I’ll never know, but it means every glass is a sensory overload. Prepare for preserved lemon, roast nectarine and grapefruity goodness. Caramelised, toasty oak and a vein of spice cloak a core of creaminess that adds delicious … Read More
Kina Beach Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2015 $36 (5 stars)
Prepare for a big, grapefruity, toasty, roasty, caramelised and smoky glass of awesome right here. Deeply complex and richly textured, this is a classic, creamy, multi-layered chardonnay that will definitely win friends and influence people. Love it! www.kinabeach.co.nz
Domaine de Pennautier Cabardès Viognier 2014 $21.99
The historic Château de Pennautier in the heart of the Carbardès appellation, was built by Bernard de Pennautier, Treasurer of the States of Languedoc under Louis XIII and has been in the Logeril family since 1620. This weighty yet fresh, citrus oil scented viognier is grown on the sun-soaked hillsides of the Montagne Noire which … Read More
Ferlaia Bianco Sicily Cataratto/Inzolia 2015 $20.00
There’s a reason why this is the house pour at some of the most exclusive Italian restaurants here in NZ. I’m convinced it’s because of its heady, exotic aromas of citrus zest, jasmine and white pepper. The crisp honeysuckle and lemony loveliness on the finish is ciao bella bonza. Catarratto and Inzolia are grapes usually … Read More
Matahiwi Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2016 $19.99
I love the gorgeous hint of rose gold colour that pings from the glass as you pour it, and the super-tangy, nashi and nectarine notes that romp up your nostrils gives it extra ‘drink me now!’ factor. Here’s a gris with bold, crunchy apple characters and a rich, ripe, unashamedly fruity personality. Jane Cooper and … Read More