Wine Reviews

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

Two very different categories covered today with a trio of Hawke’s Bay reds from the Trinity Hill stable followed by a trio of pinot noirs.

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Extra notes add interest to palate

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Extra notes add interest to palate

I have really been enjoying the 2023 sav blancs I’ve been tasting recently — although there is one cheeky 2022 late release interloper among today’s lineup.

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

Held on the last Friday of March each year, Methode Marlborough Day celebrates the conclusion of the harvest for sparkling wines, which happens earlier than that for still wines.

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d’Arenberg’s Sgt Pepper’s moment?

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d’Arenberg’s Sgt Pepper’s moment?

A wine writer and moderator of a wine forum in the UK recently posed the question about wines moving in and out of fashion.

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If alcohol is removed from fermented wines, are they still wine?

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If alcohol is removed from fermented wines, are they still wine?

If you haven’t heard of NOLO wines then you certainly will, as the "no or lo alcohol" category seems to be burgeoning.

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Taking time for the road less travelled

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Taking time for the road less travelled

Regular readers will know my fondness for tasting and drinking widely so today’s wonderful selection was right up my alley.

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Travelling to France this year? Hungry for wine experiences, history and magnificent scenery? ODT wine expert Mark Henderson suggests his favourite region; the southern Rhone and specifically the Vaucluse.

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

It was exciting to sit down to this week's selection of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

Modern DNA testing of grapes has unlocked the mysteries behind many varieties, helping to isolate parent/offspring connections and give greater understanding of their origins.

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

If variety is the spice of life, then hopefully today’s varied selection is the touch of seasoning you’re after.

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

Well and truly slipping back into the saddle, so to speak, as I get back into tasting mode after a rather pleasing break over the holiday season.

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

Welcome to part two of my riesling double-header, where we explore some of the sweeter styles, although calling them "sweet" overlooks the intensity of flavour and marvellous sugar-acid...

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Rieslings Part 1: A walk on the dry side

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Rieslings Part 1: A walk on the dry side

My trusty helpers sat down with me recently to taste through two flights of Riesling, which I’ll present for you all as a double header.

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Sauvignon Blanc good choice on a warm evening

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Sauvignon Blanc good choice on a warm evening

The day I tasted this delicious sextet of wines followed a succession of warm days.

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Pleasant surprises from a less-favoured variety

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Pleasant surprises from a less-favoured variety

Regular readers will know that Pinot Gris is not my favourite grape variety: I enjoy it, but don’t reach for it as often, though I do recognise the importance of it in the marketplace.

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Impromptu gatherings call for stimulating wines

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Impromptu gatherings call for stimulating wines

Jack be nimble states the nursery rhyme and this time of year appreciates being nimble on the wine front too.

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Rose good, if weather isn’t

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Rose good, if weather isn’t

I normally submit a couple of columns before Christmas in advance of the relaunch of the Fresh section in January, so that everything can be tidy and ready once people return from holiday.

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Central sips to savour for the festive season

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Central sips to savour for the festive season

Christmas has come rushing towards me at breakneck speed: I had an idea in my mind that I had a few Wednesday columns to introduce you all to new wines, only to realise crikey, that’s not the case!

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Sav Blancs a neighbourhood favourite

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Sav Blancs a neighbourhood favourite

I found myself walking up the street one recent bottle collection morning and couldn’t resist a few furtive glances into the bottle bins to see what made up the empties.

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