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,…
I taste many wines at Trade tastings, plus public events like the Vancouver International Wine Festival or Taste Washington. People who know me, know that I make detailed notes as I taste and can back up my wine ratings. This…
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…
As some of you may know, I was at one time the President and Cellarmaster for the South World Wine Society in Vancouver. I had a wonderful time tasting wines from the Southern Hemisphere and meeting many winery principals. I…
New Zealand is well-known for producing fresh vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines; both cool climate grapes. But with global warming warmer climate grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah are also successfully grown and produce quality wines in New…