Organic, biodynamically-grown goodness here from East Coast icons James and Annie Millton. At just 8.5% alc, it’s retained a hefty whack of natural, honeysuckle-like sweetness which harmoniously connects with zesty, citrus-led freshness, apple, lime and all-round loveliness. Sip with: chicken tikka marsala. www.millton.co.nz
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Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2016 $19.66
The soft, spicy apple and lime aromas of this beautifully bone-dry riesling really appeal. Immediately zesty and gum-tingling on the palate, boatloads of mandarin, lemon, and grapefruity goodness abound on the finish. Sip with: parsley and panko crusted fish fillets. www.tohuwines.co.nz
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Sat Oct 21 2017
Labour Weekend. That means it’s time for your annual momentary lapse of riesling… Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2016 $19.66 The soft, spicy apple and lime aromas of this beautifully bone-dry riesling really appeal. Immediately zesty and gum-tingling on the palate, boatloads of mandarin, lemon, and grapefruity goodness abound on the finish. Sip with: parsley … Read More
Tohu Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $14.99 (4 stars)
Sourced from Tohu’s Awatere Valley vineyard, this bright young thing goes large on the lemon verbena, lime leaf, red capsicum and crunchy citrus characters. Bursting with sweet, cut-grass and fresh herbs, this is a terrifically textural, perfectly perky sauvignon blanc. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $25 (4 stars)
Most people don’t realise that some of New Zealands best sauvignon blanc can be found the further south you go. Dr Stephanie Lambert and her team at Amisfield, near Lake Hayes have created a classic example oozing green bean, green capsicum, green herbs, sweet pea and serious amounts of citrus. Full, fat and firing on … Read More
Mud House Rapaura Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $19.99 (4.5 stars)
Wow! The second you pour this wine, people on the other side of the room will start sniffing the air and rising like the undead to follow where the scent is coming from. Powerful passionfruit, lemongrass, lime juice and bruised basil characters abound on the nose and palate, stitched together by solid acidity and extend … Read More
Taylors St Andrews Clare Valley Chardonnay 2014 $44.99 (5 stars)
The Clare Valley in South Australia is considered a cool-climate area and that’s why the folks at Taylors were quick to snap up the historic St Andrews vineyard and revitalised the old chardonnay vines. Luscious grapefruit and poached apricot add to its peachy complexity. Succulent and even a teensy bit spicy with a slick of … Read More
Cicada Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2015 $25 (4 stars)
Crafted by Kevin Courtney and his team at Riverby Estate in Marlborough, this is a hot blooded, power gewürztraminer. There’s nothing blousy here, just a magic melange of lychee, ginger, grain spirit and a flinty, dry-as-dry texture. If you’ve been hesitant to venture back to gewürztraminer because of sickly sweet memories from decades ago then … Read More
Domaine Servin Chablis 2015 $41.99
The Servin family has been crafting light and lovely, citrus-soaked Chablis since 1654. 1654! So they know a thing or three about growing great chardonnay and guess what. They’re French and they’re using screwcaps! Chablis is a style of chardonnay where oak is downplayed or not used at all. Fresh as a daisy and erupting … Read More
Bellbird Spring Home Block White 2015 $32 (4.5 stars)
Guy Porter has blended together an eyebrow-raising combo of riesling, muscat, gewürztraminer and pinot gris from his family vineyard on Georges Road, Waipara to create a wine redolent of yellow roses and grandma’s overnight bag – perfumed and sweet on the nose. In the mouth it has juicy white peach and persimmon notes, refreshing creamy … Read More