With a striking bottle design featuring a silver crown seal and an exclusive Kate Sylvester print on the label, Millton Vineyard’s Muskats @ Dawn 2011 ($22) is a “biologically produced” pearler from Gisborne which I hear was the surprise hit of the local wine and food festival this year. “We couldn’t keep up with demand – it … Read More
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Tresillian Single Vineyard Canterbury Riesling 2008
Tresillian Single Vineyard Canterbury Riesling 2008 $18.50 A lovely example of older riesling sourced from Tresillian’s ‘certified-sustainable’ Lumsden vineyard. Prepare yourself for aromas of beeswax, tangelo, lime and mineral notes while on the palate is nicely balanced with a touch of sweetness and a crisp, tangy finish. For stockists visit www.tresillian.co.nz Tresillian Riesling 2008
Gladstone Vineyard Sophie’s Choice Barrel Fermented Wairarapa Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Gladstone Vineyard ‘Sophie’s Choice’ Barrel Fermented Wairarapa Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $35 It’s as yellow as its Golden Retriever namesake. The late Sophie spent 14 years chasing birds, eating the grapes which fell from the crusher and bludging food from customers in the café. She’s much missed but this wine will leave a lasting impression. … Read More
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010
Lovers of the Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2010 $35 will also be pleased to know that Buck believes “in all modesty, the 2010 Elston is probably the best version we’ve ever done”. 2010 was a sensational year for Hawke’s Bay chardonnay and I’ve got to agree with John, this wine is unbelievably gorgeous. Fresh, crisp and crunchy … Read More
Waipara Hills Equinox Pinot Gris 2011
Waipara Hills Equinox Pinot Gris 2011 ($27) has classic fresh-cut pear and quince aromas and an incredibly concentrated burst of white peach and spicy pear flavours in the mouth. It’s a great example and dangerously drinkable.
Bellbird Spring Block 8 Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Bellbird Spring ‘Block Eight’ Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($31) Beautifully aromatic, showing soft, finely tuned oak influence, elderflower, white peach and lemony characters. It’s a stunning exercise in restraint with all the flavours and textures working in harmony, finishing with complex minerality and excellent persistence of flavour. www.bellbirdspring.co.nz
Sherwood Estate Laverique 2008
As far as sparkling wines go, the Sherwood Estate 2008 Laverique ($30) is now a new favourite. A 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, its lean, lemony aromas and elegant, minerally mouthfeel made it lovely to drink. Rich, toasty and fresh, it has personality, poise and fantastic length of flavour. www.sherwood.co.nz. I have to be honest and … Read More
Black Estate Omihi Series Chardonnay 2010
Black Estate Omihi Series Waipara Chardonnay 2010 $31 If this is the standard of chardonnay Waipara is capable of then that makes me a very excited girl indeed. I love the way it smells like fresh peach and pineapple spread on a buttered crumpet. In the mouth it’s vibrant, concentrated and creamy, with silky … Read More
Babich Hawke’s Bay Irongate Chardonnay 2008
Babich Hawke’s Bay Irongate Chardonnay 2008 $35 “Babich’s flagship Chardonnay is a power-packed whopper of a wine bursting with juicy peach and grapefruit flavours while showing taut acidity, elegant oak and sublime, mouthfilling, textural length of flavour. I’m certain it will cellar comfortably until 2014 and it’s a no-brainer as to how this came to … Read More
Kim Crawford First Pick Lo-Cal Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Kim Crawford First Pick Lo-Cal Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $17 I can see this being a sure-fire hit for summer with its delicate aromas of white peach, elderflower and soft citrus. At only 9% alc and with 25% less calories than it’s classic First Pick cousin it’s extremely crisp, clean and lightweight but has a delicious … Read More