Prepare for heaping wads of hazelnut, citrus pith, white peach and nutmeg on the nose followed by gorgeous, grapefruit, smoked pineapple and waves of juiciness which flow constantly across the palate. Crafted from old vine, dry farmed, Mendoza-clone chardonnay from a vineyard named after Brick Gunn, champion NZ Skeet Shooter, this wine is beautifully balanced … Read More
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Natural Wine Co. Organic Gisborne Chardonnay 2016 $19.99
Certified organic chardonnay here from Geoff and Nicola Wright, chardonnay that has a distinct ‘struck match’ aroma, smoky, flinty layers that once pushed through, give way to a ripe, rich, viscose palate packed with peach, caramelised, toasty characters, butterscotch and nutty notes on the finish. It’s a complex little chardonnay with bright acidity and a … Read More
Akarua RUA Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $23 (4 star)
Here’s a bold, stonefruit-soaked southern pinot gris that boasts honeysuckle, baking spices, roast peach and loads of tangy acidity and lifted florals. It’s juicy, succulent and a really satisfying example that any pinot gris fan will fawn over – especially with a fluffy blue cheese soufflé and pear and rocket salad. www.akarua.com
Te Pa Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $19 (4.5 star)
Golden, glossy and gorgeous in the glass and a trophy winner weighing in at under $20 – how great is that? Sweetly perfumed with roast pear and apple strudel notes, spice and lifted, peachy flavours. It’s tangy and fruity to drink yet it finishes zesty and dry. There’s a lovely zingy texture on that coats … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone Pinot Gris 2016 $25 (3.5 star)
Aged on its yeast lees (what’s left over once the yeast finishes fermenting), this Wairarapa-grown gris is deliciously dry, lean, clean and shows an edge of apple skin, nashi juice and white pepper. There’s a splash of citrus on the finish and it’s got some good persistence on the palate. Grown organically and clearly there’s … Read More
Huia Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 $23
Expect a cheek-slappingly good explosion of passionfruit, lime zest, red capsicum, gooseberry and all manner of herbaceous heroism in this fully-certified, organic sauvignon blanc. Grown on the Allan family’s Boyces Road vineyard, it’s got power, drive and pluckiness on the palate and finishes with freshness, power and precision. What to pair with this wine? Sip … Read More
Rod McDonald Mister Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2016 $17.99
How cute and storybookish is this label? Shouldn’t matter I know, but I was seduced straight away. Hawke’s Bay pinot gris has personality all of its own, so expect delicate Winter Cole pear aromas and juicy, nectarine and ginger-laced tension in the mouth. Taut and tightrope-like on the finish, it’s a groovy gris for sure. … Read More
Giesen Vineyard Selection Pinot Gris 2016 $17.99
Created from fruit sourced from vineyards around the country, this is a clean, tangy, apple-focused wine edged with nashi pear and peach notes. Lipsmackingly crisp acidity and laced with baking spices and boasting a dryish, minerally finish, it’s a crowd pleaser for sure. Sip with: a wedge of Emmental cheese and apple and feijoa chutney … Read More
Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2016 $25.90
If you’re a fan of pinot gris that feels luxuriously rich, plump and plush on the palate, yet finishes with a crisp, chalky-dry texture – then this is right up your cul de sac. Grown using chemical-free, natural viticulture techniques and carefully coaxed into the bottle by Dominic Maxwell and his talented team, this baked … Read More
La Valentina Colline Pescaresi Auha Fiano 2014 $39.50 (4 stars)
Gorgeously golden in the glass and bursting with daisy pollen and marzipan-like aromas, Fiano is an ancient grape that’s experiencing a modern renaissance. I love the light peach, soft almond notes, its bright, vibrant, mineral-driven mouthfeel and white pepper and freshly-baled hay layers on the finish. It’s an envelope-pusher of a white wine that’ll rock … Read More