‘Freya’ is an ancient euro-nordic goddess famous for her fondness of love, fertility, beauty, and fabulous things – and, because of these predilections, she’s considered to be something of a party girl. Each sip will have you thinking your Christmases’ have come at once. Lifted florals, lovely lime, ripe apple, honeysuckle, deep minerality and a … Read More
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Rolly Gassmann Vin D’Alsace Pinot Gris 2012 $39
The Gassmann’s have been winegrowers since 1611. 1611! That’s like when the King James Bible was first published and when Gallileo discovered sunspots on the sun. Modern life has this pinot gris maturing deliciously. Packed with punchy yellow plum, quince, poached pear and caramelised spices, the flavours are glorious, the acidity is succulent and refreshing, … Read More
Avelada Reserva da Familia Minho Alvarinho 2016 $36
While most imported albariño we see in NZ comes from Spain’s Rias Baixas region, fans of the grape will be chuffed to know that there are some right rumpty Portuguese versions around also. Using fruit from Minho, in the Vinho Verde region, Aveleda ferment it in a combo of large oak barrels and stainless steel … Read More
House of Ball Waipara Grüner Veltliner 2016 $29
Whole bunch pressed, barrel fermented with wild yeasts, just 470 bottles were made of this Austrian white variety that also has no free sulphur and is unfined and unfiltered, so expect a teensy haze in the bottle when pouring. Funky and frisky, manuka honey and beeswax combine with summer wildflowers, lemon pith and all manner of … Read More
Huia Single Vineyard Marlborough Dry Riesling 2016 $32 (4.5 stars)
If you imagine a tiny samurai armed with lime-flavoured floss, whipping it across your tastebuds, then you’re coming close to the immediate sensation of sipping this wine. Crafted by one of New Zealand’s organic aristocrats – this riesling is incredibly zippy, honeysuckle and mandarin and quartz-edged triumph. Love it! www.huiavineyards.com
Matavino Amelia Matakana Viognier 2017 $25 (3.5 stars)
You might imagine the little squiggle on the label is a graphic depiction of the ups and downs of working with nature. I prefer to think of it as a vine tendril left over on the wires post-pruning – much more obvious. Winegrower Jim Hight reckons Matakana is a great spot to grow viognier of … Read More
The Fifth Innings Limited Release Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $59
Only 600 bottles were made of this wine and they’re all individually numbered. While numbers are things you can count on, safety is definitely not on the agenda for this chardonnay. It’s huge in every respect and those with a delicate constitution may opt for something more tame because this wine will ruck and maul … Read More
Alpha Domus The Skybolt Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $26.00
This is the second vintage of Skybolt, a chardonnay that’s like a fruity mcfruitface upfront on the palate, yet a tweak of French oak I love how the classic grapefruit and roast peach flavours are edged with hints of coconut and spice and then followed by a long, creamy finish. Winemaker Barry Riwai is a … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $14.99
There’s a really spicy, almost ginger-like kick to this chardonnay, which clearly has the ‘cheap and cheerful, crowd-pleaser’ flag flying from its screwcap. If you’re looking for bags of toasty oak and creamy, buttery bodaciousness then you won’t find it here, this wine is all about the tangy tropical fruit and popcorn pluckiness on the … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin canvas column for Sat July 28th 2018
I bought a $1500 robot vacuum cleaner. Mock all you want, but I’m sipping chardonnay while this thing sucks life’s lint away… Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $14.99 There’s a really spicy, almost ginger-like kick to this chardonnay, which clearly has the ‘cheap and cheerful, crowd-pleaser’ flag flying from its screwcap. If you’re looking … Read More