Nga Waka Martinborough Chardonnay 2009 $24 Classic, old-school in style with classy citrus pith and toasty oak fleshed out with creamy, brulee and bran-muffin characters along with a sneaky sliver of peach and nectarine running through it. Excellent length of flavour just makes it all the more stunning. Buy from select liquor stores or online … Read More
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Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15 Finally!! The first batch of sauvignon’s from this years harvest are hitting the shelves and so far the ones I’ve tried are breathtakingly good. Take this one from Villa, it’s all passionfruit sorbet and preserved lemon aromas followed by a burst of fresh lime and green … Read More
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010
Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $18 Wow! Delicious jazz apple aromas and a super-tangy melange of apple crumble, pear and squinty quince flavours burst open in the mouth. I really like the crispness and elegant length of flavour in this wine too; plus it’s just fantastic with slivers of parmesan cheese dipped in liquid honey. … Read More
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009
Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009 $58 Yes it’s pricey but it’s oh so nicey! Mandarin and tangelo notes with classic apricot kernel and cheek-tingling texture and orange oil unctuosity. Delicious stuff from one of this country’s viognier pioneers, plus it’s organic and biodynamically produced so no doubt you’ll have … Read More
Yealand’s Full Circle Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Yealands Full Circle Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $17 It’s a bonus this sauvignon comes in a lightweight plastic bottle because I suspect I’ll be throwing a few into my recycling bin especially come summer. Tomato stalk, fresh herbs, luscious lawn-clippings on the nose combine with ripe passionfruit, citrus and eye-watering acidity on the palate. Good … Read More
Godelia Bierzo Godello 2009
Godelia Bierzo Godello 2009 $25 Scenic Cellars in Taupo have just taken possession of an exciting new wine made by Godelia from little-known variety Godello located in Spain’s newest wine region Bierzo. Bierzo is a Spanish DO (DenominaciÓn de Origen) for wines located in the northwest of the province of LeÓn. The DO covers 23 … Read More
Seifried Nelson Gewurztraminer 2011
SEIFRIED NELSON GEWURZTRAMINER 2011 $12 – $17 Tried this for the first time yesterday and thought it was pretty darn nice. All those classic aromas of Turkish delight, spicy ginger and peach lead to a juicy, fresh finish. Not overly sweet, but just enough to make an impression. Seifried are legends at making gewürztraminer, and … Read More
Matawhero Gisborne Chardonnay 2010
Matawhero Gisborne Chardonnay 2010 $25 Scented with popcorn, candyfloss, peach and mango cream, it’s a style that’s out on its own but I like it. Definitely a food-friendly example that has good length of flavour and presence on the palate. www.matawhero.co.nz
Pasquale Waitaki Gewurztraminer 2010
Pasquale Waitaki Gewurztraminer 2010 $30 Lovely lifted aromas of lychee, greengage plum and ginger. In the mouth it is elegantly crisp, well balanced and has a deliciously tangy finish. www.pasquale.co.nz
Tukipo River Estate ‘Fat Snapper’ Chardonnay 2010
Tukipo River Estate Fat Snapper Chardonnay 2010 $20 A collective ‘Oh wow!’ rose from the table as soon as my guests started sipping this new Central Hawke’s Bay chardonnay. With incredibly concentrated guava, peach, grapefruit and pineapple aromas combined with elegant acidity, power, freshness and vitality on the finish it’s sensational stuff for the price. … Read More