Go for a hoon around Rosie Butler and Rodger Tynan’s vineyard located just outside of the tiny township of Tikokino (about 20 mins from Takapau and 10 mins from Onga Onga) and you’ll see incredible lumps of limestone rock puncturing the ridgelines. It’s this fossil-rich soil which gives this gris its classically crisp, cleansing, mineral-like … Read More
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River-T Estate Waitaki Pinot Gris 2017 $22 (4.5 stars)
It’s got to be the limestone-laced, river gravels that these vines grow in that makes the wine so bouncy-fresh in the mouth. Think tangy nectarine, quince and nashi notes combining with speed-racer acidity and a lengthy, fruit-soaked finish. Cleansing and crunchy – I love it! www.rivertestate.co.nz
Moutere Hills Nelson Pinot Gris 2016 $23 (4 stars)
Nelson is known around the globe as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to turning out aromatic whites erupting with eye-poppingly pure, clean floral notes and crisp, stonefruit and apple characters. Produced by Rusty Rayne and Lisa Goodson, this pinot gris hits that zingy, spicy spot that sneaks through the dry, pear … Read More
Brookfields Indulgence Hawke’s Bay Botrytis Viognier 2016 $25 (5 stars)
Viognier (vee-yon-yay) made into a dessert wine is rare occurrence, yet Peter Robertson at Brookfields is the master and commander of the style. Scented with jasmine and citrus oils, followed by toffee and marmalade intensity on the nose and palate, caramelized mixed peel flavours and the most luxuriously sweet, tangy finish, I give it 6 … Read More
Two Rivers Brookby Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 $19.99 (4 stars)
The 2016 won a gold medal at the 2017 NZ International Wine Show because it seduced the judges with its nashi and nectarine nuances, prickly, sexy texture, sweet, ripe perfume and cleansing length of flavour. I reckon this new version is just as delicious. Made by the dangerously talented (and not shabby looking) Dave Clouston, … Read More
Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Central Otago Riesling 2014 $28
One of just four Riesling’s to feature in the exclusive “60 Fine Wines of New Zealand” list for Air NZ Business Class, the Limelight cut it because it’s a consummate performer. Packed with incredibly pure citrus aromatics and flavours, it absolutely sings class and crunch. A lovely vein of honeysuckle-like sweetness cuts through the mandarin, … Read More
Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $25 (4 stars)
For fans of a leaner, cleaner, more Chablis-style chardonnay then this’ll be right up your cul-de-sac I reckon. Lemon and grapefruit goodness unveil on the nose, while spicy, citrus-soaked layers last long in the background. Plus there’s a ribbon of creamy almond laced with soft smokiness on the finish to keep you going back for … Read More
Askerne Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $31.90 (5 stars)
The perfume of this wine is so delicious it’s difficult to yank the glass away from your nose for long enough to actually sip it. A hint of butterscotch merges with fresh nectarine, grapefruit and pineapple plushness on the nose and palate, while a zesty vein of spice and toasted crumpet joins them on the … Read More
Petane Station Esk Valley Chardonnay 2016 $30 (5 stars)
Philip Barber is a serious winemaking talent to watch if you’re a chardonnay fan. With the ability to source fruit grown in the seashell-strewn soils of Esk Valley, thrust upwards after the 1931 Napier earthquake, his wines show incredibly complex minerality, texture and even a hint of delicious salinity. I love the aromas of grilled … Read More
Colombo Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $24
Winemakers Baptist Sieber and Carolyn Irwin have created one of the tastiest darn sauvignon’s I’ve seen in AGES. Sourced from their Te Muna Road and Martinborough Terrace vineyards, it’s round, ripe and bursting with peach, passionfruit and lemony lusciousness, it’s zingy, crunchy, fulsome and seriously sexy. Martinborough sauvignon blanc has a reputation for terrific texture … Read More