Let's get this out of the way first - yes, the new Coleraine is great. I had the pleasure of tasting the first Te Mata Coleraine a few years back …
It’s that time again. Time to inspire me to spend more money on drinks, even though the WineArk cabinet can’t be closed properly and the Amex is maxed out. So, what …
This stopped me in my tracks. The Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Albarino 2022 comes from Steve Smith MW's (ex-Craggy Range) Hawke's Bay project. That part isn't surprising. What is head-turning …
Behind the scenes in every large Australian wine company there typically lies lesser-known greatness. Whether it's Treasury, Accolade or Pernod Ricard, there is oft-overlooked (and sometimes never released) vinous glory. You …
This year, for just the second time, saw the release of a Hawke's Bay Chardonnay Collection. Now, a year after the wines were picked, and a few months since they …
Closely following my post from earlier in the week, comes another assortment of holiday beverage tidbits - this time with bonus beers! As with the last collection, these are broadbrush reviews …
This is just a taste of the finest big reds that passed the desk this November. Background notes in italics. Oakridge Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Spends 3 weeks on skins post …
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, you do my head in. Here's a variety capable of textural magnificence. Of mouthfilling richness in Alsace or Central Otago, then pure, saline delicacy and effortless freshness in …
I'm finally getting back into some sort of normal programming this week, or whatever that means when you're a new parent. The little one is sleeping, but the days now …
I missed December's Almost Club edition (holidays), so this is a huge crop of almostness... As the name suggests, here are the wines that almost hit the mark for me in …
This is Part 2 of the Coleraine vertical described here. Actually, while Coleraine had top billing at the tasting, the vertical of Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah was probably even …
Usually, verticals have a purpose. An excuse for the winery to show off a wine, launch a new one, or just to remind everyone how good something used to be. …
