Hand harvested from nuggety old bushvines growing on grantite slopes, this Swartland chenin blanc is ultra-elegant and saturates the nose and palate with beautiful baked apple and spice, caramelised, creaminess, rich, generous and apple-pie like. The acidity is fresh and frisky and its seriously lovely to drink. South African chenin blanc is now a firm … Read More
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Summerhouse Marlborough Verdelho 2016 (4 stars)
Finding great verdelho is as awesome as finding cold chicken in the fridge. It’s a very satisfying thing, yet a very rare one here in NZ, with only 4 companies that I know of growing it. Historically verdelho was used to make Madeira, but it’s found a new talent as a table wine. Exotically perfumed … Read More
Bald Hills Last Light Central Otago Riesling 2010 $28 (5 stars)
How awesome is this wine! I’ll tell you how. Maturing beautifully, this is a superb example of how dry riesling should be standing the test of time. Pure, precise citrus elements shine through creating an intensely clean wave of flavour across the palate and zingy acidity compliments the classic honeysuckle, hints of mandarin, racy lime … Read More
Giesen The Brothers Marlborough Chardonnay 2017 $19.99 (4 stars)
Chardonnay lovers ahoy! This new vintage of a Marlborough favourite, is heaving with fresh, toasty oak that wraps itself around the core of grapefruit, pineapple and peach perfectly, just like one of those ballerina cardigans. Fresh, generously tropical, bursting with character and has a sexy, caramelized spice note to the finish. Yum!! www.vinofino.co.nz
Fuedi Bizantini Passofino Pecorino 2016 $24.99
Sourced from the Terre di Chieti ICP of Abruzzo, this is the top example of Pecorino that the team at Bizantini produce each year. Sometimes known as ‘vissanello’, pecorino’s are known for having a lick of salinity, green herbs, apple, lemon zest and almond-like characters, and ultra-tangy acidity on the finish. It’s not something we … Read More
Ara Resolute Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $22.99 (5 stars)
Oh wow! This is the kind of sauvignon blanc that gives me goosebumps. Absolutely heaving with herbaceous, lemongrassy lusciousness, passionfruit and sweaty, grassy goodness. Ripe, rich and rocking the lemonade and lime notes in every sip. Sourced from fruit grown in the confluence of the Wairau and Waihopai Rivers in Marlborough, it’s lifted and lovely … Read More
My notes on Obsidian Waiheke Island new releases…
Obsidian Reserve Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2017 $48 The stylish, chablis-like elegance of this wine makes it a showstopper for me. I love the purity of fruit, intense citrus, and minerality on the mid-palate, peachy backbone and the dusting of subtle nutty notes on the finish. It’s a beautifully balanced example and I’m officially obsessed with … Read More
J. Riehl Vin D’Alsace Riesling 2015 $19.99 (3.5 stars)
Classic Germanic riesling style here, with loads of green apple and manuka honey notes, a layer of herbaceousness and white pepper and a long, tangy finish. It’s a great introduction to Alsatian riesling that’s on the crisp, dry scale of the spectrum and it’s a good choice to sip with chickpea and paneer korma. www.winedirect.co.nz
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2016 $25.90
At least once a week I must have Thai food and when I do, I must have a crisp glass of gewürztraminer to soothe its passage. I thought the 2014 vintage was unstoppable then the 2016 came along and wow! This musky-spiced style from Chris and Judy Simmonds block on Dog Point Road is a … Read More
Main Divide North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $20 (4 stars)
Steady yourself for a tsunami of citrus, punchy passionfruit, luscious lemonade and a long, long, long (did I say long?) flavoursome finish. Crafted by the good folk at Pegasus Bay wines, this is a lovely example of the North Canterbury style. Yummo! www.pegasusbay.com