Aromas of grilled pineapple, marshmallow and incredibly ripe nectarine merge with toasted coconut characters along a rich, tropical finish. Nine months maturing in French oak barrels has given the wine a slight ‘bacony’ flavour which I really love, making this little bit of magic from Marlborough deliciously complex and downright yummy (that’s a technical term … Read More
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Terra Sancta Miro’s Block Central Otago Riesling 2014 $27 ★★★★½
If you only had just seven rows of ungrafted, old vine riesling struggling away on steep, hand-cut, schist terraces in the desert-like conditions of Bannockburn – it hardly seems worth the dollars and effort of trying to coax anything into a bottle. Yet winemaker Jodi Pagey and viticulturist Len Ibbotsen are diehard fans of the … Read More
Bret Brothers Mâcon Uchizy Grand Vin de Bourgogne 2014 $43 ★★★★★
Some chardonnays erupt with x-factor for me and this is definitely one of them. I love the aromas of buttery, toasted crumpets, grilled grapefruit and spiced stonefruit alongside citrus concentration at its core which balances beautifully with subtle oak and luscious acidity. Crafted by the supremely talented Jean-Guillaume and Jean-Phillippe Bret from a tiny plot … Read More
Bald Hills Central Otago Riesling 2015 $28 ★★★★
Pete Bartle is the winemaker responsible for this bottle of tangy apple, lime and lemon verbena-laden lusciousness. There’s also a layer of crushed herbs and punchy tropical character which makes this a darn delicious wine to enjoy over a selection of spicy tapas or a feed of good, old-fashioned, lemony, salty fish and chips. Crisp, … Read More
Church Road TOM Chardonnay 2013 $150 ★★★★★
100% grown in their Tuki Tuki vineyard which “used to be a complete fruit salad” according to winemaker Chris Scott. “But we’ve ripped out everything that’s not a top chardonnay clone and every single barrel selected for this wine is a separate hand pick and press”. Bursting with citrus complexity, seductive, smoky oak, juicy, elegantly … Read More
Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2015 $23 ★★★★
The team at Te Mania appear to be unstoppable when it comes to producing “o” for organic and “aw” for “awesome” wines year after year. It’s the combination of soil, sunlight and sheer talent that produces juicy, stonefruit-packed, creamy, toasty chardonnay like this. Vibrant, tangy and tropical – it’s delicious. Trust me. www.temaniawines.co.nz
Blank Canvas Marlborough Grüner Veltliner 2013 $28 ★★★★
Grüner Veltliner (grooner velt-leener) is the signature white wine of Austria, and it’s a grape that produces crisp, crunchy, dry white wines that burst with delicate florals, white peach and green apple characters. This bony, chalky-textured newby from Marlborough has added layers of lemon and crushed oyster shell in its mix. Lovely stuff. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Gris 2016 $24.50 ★★★★
Certified vegan-friendly, this gorgeous little gris is 100% sourced from Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach’s ‘Home Block’ vineyard, and comprises of ‘Mission’, ‘Larcomb’ and ‘KWV’ clones (how’s that for techie info) Gris fans will love the ripe, juicy peach and pear characters, classic, clean nashi notes and its rich, textural finish. Sip with Pad Thai. Yum! … Read More
Ataahua Waipara Gewurztraminer 2014 $26 ★★★★
Just the most gorgeous aromas of lemon sorbet, musky ginger, spun-sugar and turkish delight assail the nostrils as soon as the cap comes off a bottle of this baby. On the palate it’s full, rich, deliciously dry and complex (which is SUCH a good thing for gewurztraminer). Plus there’s chai spices and refreshing acidity on … Read More
Fairmont Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $15 ★★★½
John McNab grows grapes on Martinborough’s Gladstone Terraces. Grapes which produce softly textured, clean, tropical, tangy sauvignon like this. If you prefer softer acidity and less of the cats-pee and gooseberry – then this is definitely for you. The cruchy white peach, lifted florals and juicy, lemony finish make it sing with seafood. www.fairmontestate.co.nz