Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008

Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008 $39  No, viburno is not some snazzy new variety that’s taken root on the island; rather it’s the name of a plant which is the symbol of the Mediterranean.  Viburno is an auspicious plant which apparently symbolises triumph and great promise; and it’s an apt name for this blend [...]

Matariki Quintology 2007

Matariki Quintology 2007 $80  One of New Zealand’s iconic red wines, this example of Gimblett Gravels gorgeousness is only released when the fruit is exceptional. A vintage-dependent blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec, this version bursts with complex dried herbs, exotic spices dusted over juicy, ripe plum and dense berryfruit.  I [...]

Ti Point Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010

Ti Point Two Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $22  Matakana winemaker Tracy Haslam has created a really tasty wine with bright berryfruit, smoke and pepper notes on the nose followed by lovely plush, fruit-forward tannins and a ripe, robust finish.  A definite crowd-pleaser and absolutely lovely with steak and kidney pie.  www.tipoint.co.nz

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2009

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot Malbec 2009 $24  A Gimblett Gravels wine already with a gold medal from the San Francisco Wine Show under its belt, it’s a lovely wine which will definitely appeal to anyone who loves ripe, sweetly exotic black fruits, anise, mace and soft peppery perfume in their reds.  This wine got the [...]

Alluviale Gimblett Road Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

ALLUVIALE GIMBLETT ROAD MERLOT CABERNET FRANC, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 $30  A cracker of a red created by sickeningly handsome winemaking couple, Kate Galloway and David Ramonteau – this wine has beautifully fragrant rosemary, roast beef, dark chocolate, espresso, plum, berry and molasses characters.  I love the texture of this wine in the mouth with finely-grained [...]