Petane Station Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer 2018 $30 Golden and glossy in the glass and one swirl will reveal exotic aromas of ginger, rose water, white pepper, guava and a hunt of musk. To drink, it has a splash of natural sweetness, yet it’s crisp and juicy, not blowsy and broad – like a lot of … Read More
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Petane Station Tracks Block Viognier 2018
Petane Station Tracks Block Viognier 2018 $30 Viognier (pronounced ‘vee-yon-YAY’) is one of my favourite things. Like clean, sunshine-dried sheets and emails saying ‘remittance advice.’ It’s a scary, lots-can-go-wrong grape, yet Philip Barber at Petane Station appears to have some sort of shamanistic supremacy over his vineyard, because the resulting wine is crunchy-fresh to taste … Read More
Petane Station Puriri Block Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018
Petane Station Puriri Block Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 You know how when you watch a ballerina perform the five foot positions, it’s hypnotic, captivating. Every time, the dancer delivers elegance, elongation, delicacy, and interest. That’s what this chardonnay brings to your brain and senses. Perfumed with white nectarine, cashew butter and toasted crumpets, then delivering … Read More
Saving Grace Waipara Chardonnay 2018
Saving Grace Waipara Chardonnay 2018 $27 This chardonnay is grown under the shadow of the Nor’West Arch in a spot sheltered by the Teviotdale hills. Classic North Canterbury chardonnay here, with peachy, brulee and cashew characters on the nose and palate and a lingering, creamy mouthfeel. You won’t see much of it about as it’s … Read More
Saint Clair James Sinclair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Saint Clair James Sinclair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018 $22 As soon as you stick your nose in a glass of this sauvignon, you’re met with marshmallow, lemongrass, summer flowers and soft passionfruit layers. On the palate it is punchy-fresh, yet the acidity is gentle and beautifully integrated with the fruit concentration and herbaceousness. Nice sipping … Read More
Amisfield Central Otago Chardonnay 2017 $45
Amisfield Central Otago Chardonnay 2017 $45 Dr Stephanie Lambert has a fearsome reputation as a winemaker and yet the big up’s, the accolades, the critic prop’s per se, are overwhelmingly in favour of her pinot noir. Indeed she does make damn fine, world-class pinot noir at every price point, yet I’m here to say that … Read More
ME by Matahiwi Wairarapa Chardonnay 2017 $19
ME by Matahiwi Wairarapa Chardonnay 2017 If you like your chardonnay punchy and fruit-kicked and showing sackloads of citrus, then hop on the bus to freshtopia friend because that’s where this wine is headed. Zesty white peach and grapefruit make up the core of this wine, which is then stitched together by a soft seam … Read More
Hawkes Ridge Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2014
Hawkes Ridge Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2014 $25 Incredibly golden and glossy in the glass, this viognier is soon-to-be-released and once it’s out there, by hokey New Zealand, it’s in the bag! Or should I say, “in the cellar”, because it’s gloriously gulpable. Think rich apricot, musky florals, sweet citrus concentration and some botrytis influence adds … Read More
Wrights Reserve Organic Gisborne Chardonnay 2018
Wrights Reserve Organic Gisborne Chardonnay 2018 $30 There’s a hint of musky, ginger and spices on the nose and palate of this chardonnay – so don’t be going in expecting the bog standard peaches and cream characters of your more commercial examples. There’s an earthy, nutty note on the mid-palate and a truffle-like tweak on … Read More
Te Mania Reserve Nelson Chardonnay 2018
Te Mania Reserve Nelson Chardonnay 2018 $32 Elegant and nicely structured, with hazelnut and nectarine notes on the nose and it’s a sexy, mouthfilling style and showing great potential for cellaring. Taut, balanced and showing great character. Nelson chardonnay is a new favourite thing. www.temaniawines.co.nz