new zealand
sparkling
Osawa Prestige Collection Methode Traditionnelle Brut NV ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
This stylish sparkling was matured for 3½ years on its yeast lees, with base wine dating back to 2009. Bright, light lemon/green, it has an invitingly fragrant, lively, yeasty bouquet. Crisp and lively, with citrusy, biscuity flavours, it shows excellent vigour, complexity and length. $55
other white varietals & blends
Anchorage Reserve Gewurztraminer 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
Strongly floral with dried bourbon rose petal, pot pourri together with wild ginger and a gentle hint of spice. Palate has some sweetness but well balanced with the fruit and the little lift of acidity. An aromatic, delicate gewurztraminer with an appealing vibrant character. $18
Terrace Edge Liquid Geography Riesling 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
Very opulent aromas of mango and papaya. Succulent flavours with a little gingerbread and lemon curd and a nice citrus spine of acidity. Not especially complex but for those looking for a sweeter style, this is very appealing. $19.50
Mount Brown Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆
Very lifted snow pea, cut grass, lime. A hint of white florals and a touch of icing sugar too. Mouthwatering acidity gives a real lift to the palate and supports succulent white peach, lime and gooseberry fruit flavours. Pretty and aromatic. $16
sauvignon blanc & blends
Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Intensely aromatic with classic Marlborough notes of icing sugar, green apple, passionfruit and pear. The palate has a succulence and intensity of fruit that is concentrated yet retains a bright juicy character. Super stuff. $27
Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Very pungent guava, red capsicum and fresh basil aromas with plenty of passionfruit and mango. Really vibrant on the palate with a good depth of flavour lifted by mouthwatering, taut acidity. Lovely mid palate sweetness with length and line. $27
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Riper style of sauvignon with some yellow plum, melon and passionfruit. Vibrant fruit with a lovely ripe juicy character rounding out the palate. There is real density and weight with a moderate finish. $30
Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
Lovely bright cut grass, capsicum and snowpea on the nose. Vivid and lifted, not especially concentrated but with a really vibrant and succulent juicy palate. Excellent value for money. $20
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
Lovely bright aromas of red capsicum, passionfruit and lime. The flavours are youthful and there is a noticeable thread of mineral citrussy acidity. Great concentration and length on the palate. $30
Vidal Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ⋆⋆⋆⋆
A brisk, lively fresh wine showing green apple, passionfruit and lime aromas with a faintly tropical, almost white nectarine edge. The flavours are vivid and well defined and the wine has a crisp dry finish. $20
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆
Very striking cooler expression; elderflower, green capsicum and freshly squeezed lime. Bright and juicy. Crisp with a fine line of acidity running right across the palate. $20
Osawa Winemaker’s Collection Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ⋆⋆⋆⋆
Maturing well, this hand-harvested, barrelaged wine is bright, light lemon/green, fresh and full-bodied. Mouthfilling, it has good intensity of ripe peach and nectarine flavours, oak-derived complexity and a tightly structured finish. Drink now or cellar. $65
riesling
Zephyr Riesling 2017 ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆
Lovely mouthwatering aroma, almost gin and tonic-like with subtle lemon and lime. Off dry with very attractive succulent peachy flavours sitting alongside those of citrus and red apple. Nice length, well made, not forced. Super stuff. $23
Loveblock Marlborough Bone Dry Riesling 2014 ⋆⋆⋆⋆1/2
Mature aromas of kerosene, lime marmalade and toast jostle with those of fresh grapefruit and lime. Succulent, fruity yet with a
