Mud House’s winemaker Cleighten Cornelius is obsessed with the fruit from their Woolshed vineyard, one sip of this and you’ll see why. Planted 15 years ago in the Southern Valleys by Nev Gane (great name), the resulting sauvignon is packed with punchy passionfruit and lime, boasts a deliciously fleshy texture and bursts with buckets of … Read More
Archives
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $32
Lucky Aucklanders can sip this snazzy new release at the Cloudy Bay ‘Sail Away’ pop-up dining experience at Prego during November. Everyone else will have to trust me when I say that the CB crew have injected zesty herbaceousness, plucky passionfruit and citrus friskiness into this iconic sauvignon blanc. Lime, basil and a squeak of … Read More
Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $27
Not a fan of masses of squinty acidity in your sauvignon? Then fret no longer, this will keep you safe and sound. Mellow in the mid palate, edged with soft passionfruit, lemongrass and limey notes, it’s got summer florals on the nose and a feisty finish. Sip with: Pea, mint and feta fritters. www.dogpoint.co.nz
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column November 4 2017
“Sav me from myself” is a phrase I tend to utter repeatedly as the days stretch and the stress soaks in… Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $27 Not a fan of masses of squinty acidity in your sauvignon? Then fret no longer, this will keep you safe and sound. Mellow in the mid … Read More
Pask Declaration Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2015 $40 (4.5 stars)
Absolutely rocketing out of the gate from a standing start comes this shiny new chardonnay from one of Hawke’s Bay’s elite producers. Declaration wines are only produced in exceptional vintages and the 2014 won a trophy at the largest wine show in the world the 2017 IWSC and the 2015 will do great things too. … Read More
Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2015 $22 (4 stars)
I’ve been told by winemaker Lars Jensen, that this is a favourite amongst the winery staff and that they’re having to fast track the next vintage because it’s all being consumed in house! That’s hardly surprising because it’s a lovely drop. Fresh nectarine and toasty, buttered crumpet flavours are dusted with cinnamon and dolloped with … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $16 (3 stars)
If you’re looking for a peach-packed quaffer then you’ve come to the right place. Soft pineapple and a splash of caramel add character to the wine and a creamy layer in the middle of the mouth brings a buttery finish. Simple but seriously sippable. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $14.95 (4 stars)
This is a real crowd-pleaser of a chardonnay that ticks all the boxes for tropical tastiness, toasty, nutty notes and some plucky peachy layers that’ll keep everyone happy. Softer-styled and supple acidity adds extra complexity to the mouthfeel. www.saintclair.co.nz
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $30 (5 star)
Created by the master pinot craftsman Grant Taylor, comes my new favourite pinot gris. Lovely nashi pear, peach and the softest of ginger flavours makes this Gibbston-grown gris kick start a happy dance in the mouth. With a rich, creamy, textural mouthfeel and huge palate appeal, you’d best be quick to get your mits on … Read More
Judge Rock Central Otago Riesling 2016 $24
A lovely, honey-biscuit aroma leads to soft apple and citrus concentration in this Alexandra-grown goblet of goodness. A burst of natural sweetness is balanced out by crushed shell minerality, tangy acidity and spicy complexity on the finish. Textural and taut. Sip with: garlic smoked mussels. www.judgerock.co.nz