Richmond Plains Blue Moon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $24 ★★★★★ This is a fully-certified organic, biodynamic Sauvignon from Nelson that’s been fermented cool and long over 10 months in 300 L French hogshead barrels by winemaker Steve Gill. It has exotic aromas of lemongrass, fresh fig, soft citrus and almond meal. The acidity is lifted, zesty … Read More
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Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 ($34) ★★★★½ Intensely fruity on the nose, with lime, lemongrass, passionfruit and white peach all flooding through onto the palate as well. I love the bruised basil and lemon verbena notes that are carried along by ultra-tangy acidity and a solid, succulent spine. Lovely stuff from winemaker Sarah Inkersell. www.fairbourne.co.nz
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2014
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2014 $25 ★★★½ The team at Richmond Plains has been quietly bottling rather lovely, fully certified organic, biodynamically produced wines for ages – and this is a darn drinkable example. Expect apple, peach stone and citrus flavours followed by a dry, mineral-rich, palate-cleansing finish. www.organicwines.co.nz
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014 $24 ★★★★½ What started out as a mistake (growing a small amount of pinot gris to co-ferment with pinot noir) ended up being an exciting solo project for Mark (Mack) Mason and Michelle Crawford. Fresh quince and nashi characters are sliced through with samurai sword acidity, leaving a … Read More
Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $19 ★★★★ Aromas of basil and lime, passionfruit, pepper and lemongrass lead to crisp, crunchy acidity, a burst of citrus and oodles of tropical tastiness on the finish. Sourced from an established, high quality vineyard block outside of Hastings, this is a snappy, succulent example of sauvignon … Read More
Toi Toi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Toi Toi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $18 ★★★½ If you like your sauvignon packed with passionfruit, lime, basil, pea pod and peach flavours then you’d best get your keyboard out and order some of this pronto. Uncomplicated, fresh, zingy and superb with steamed mussels – what more do you need? www.toitoiwines.co.nz
Millton Les Arbres Clos de Ste Anne Gisborne Viognier 2013
Millton Les Arbres Clos de Ste Anne Gisborne Viognier 2013 $60 ★★★★★ Make no mistake; this is a wine you must try before you die. If you’re looking for the epitome of what can be achieved with viognier in this country then this is it. Deeply golden in the glass, this viognier socks you with … Read More
Vinoptima Noble Gisborne Gewürztraminer 2007
Vinoptima Noble Gisborne Gewürztraminer 2007 $250 375ml Could this wine be the most delectable thing ever? (I think that’s the first and only time I’ve ever used the word ‘delectable’) Yes, it is an indulgence, and one of the most expensive things I’ve ever tasted, but its aromas of rose-caramel, toffee, candied mandarin and golden syrup … Read More
Aorangi Road Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Aorangi Road Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $18 With a stack of shiny medals to its name including a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Awards, this is one super-tasty sauvignon. Grown on the Mangatahi Terraces, 30kms inland west of Hastings by a specialist sauvignon blanc producer, it has delicious sugar-snap … Read More
Waimea Classic Riesling 2011
Waimea Classic Riesling 2011 $19 ★★★★★ An incredible value-for-money Riesling which oozes lime and tangelo tanginess, a beautifully taut, concentrated mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish which is edged with hints of mango. Lovely stuff. www.waimeaestates.co.nz