Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc 2019 (NZ$29) Returning to his dry-style roots not seen since 2013, winemaker Gordon Russell has taken fruit for the first time from Ian and Linda Quinn’s Two Terraces Vineyard located west of…
Selaks 1934 Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 (NZ $16.99) Created in homage to the year that Marino Selak sold his first vintage of wine, this new range boasts a chardonnay that I’m certain will become a ‘best value classic’. I say…
Hunter’s Wines Home Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (NZ$30) They might be one of Marlborough (nay, New Zealand’s) oldest and most successful wine companies, but it’s taken them until now to declare an ‘icon’ release Sauvignon Blanc. Their young winemaker,…
Te Awanga Estate Mister Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019 NZ$21.99 Word on the street is that 2019 was a cracker of a year in Hawke’s Bay for chardonnay and this little Rod McDonald creation definitely doesn’t let the side down. It’s…
Spy Valley Echelon Marlborough Methodé Traditionnelle 2012 NZ$36.99 I was completely seduced by the tiny, fine bead inside the glass, white gold, glossy, aromas of rising dough, crusty bread, caramelised character and richly structured. Full, generous, incredibly elegant and finely…
Riptide Waitaki Dry Riesling 2018 $30 If you’re looking for a ‘wham bam thank you ma’am, fruit-fest of a Riesling, then you’ve come to the wrong place here. Winemaker Renan Theilloux has gone against the grain, creating a style that…
Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 $30 The good folk at Misha’s Vineyard have explained that a ‘Cantata’ is taken from the Italian word ‘cantere’, which means ‘to sing’. It’s a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment apparently,…
Moana Park Hawke’s Bay Blanc de Blanc NV $24.99 While the print on the label did remind me of a B&B bedspread and the brown writing is all a bit 1990’s wedding invitation, once that cork is popped, it’s all…
Te Mata Estate Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2018 NZ$29 An ultra-fresh pinot noir that pushes fruit and spice out to the edges of the mouth, youthful yet intensely savoury cherry and hedgerow fruit focus, it’s a lovely thing to drink…