Phil Parker
Our wine guru PHIL PARKER selects and describes a bunch of mostly NZ wines to ease us through the long, cicada-infested daze of late summer.
Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $28
A portion of the fruit was whole bunch pressed and rested on the skins for 200 days, adding extra complexity and texture. Also, a small amount of barrel-aged semillon was added. Grassy, with lime citrus, kaffir lime, gooseberry, passionfruit, and a lengthy tangy finish.
Available: pegasusbay.com vinofino.co.nz
De La Terre Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2023 $40
Lightly oaked and slightly funky. Creamy palate with lemon citrus, smoky minerality, tangy yeasty brioche and an elegant soft finish.
Available: Dhall & Nash delaterre.co.nz
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Washington USA Chardonnay 2020 $28
Subtle and medium-bodied, with spicy vanilla American oak, mango, rock melon, stone fruit and mandarin citrus. A hint of spiced cashew and buttered popcorn.
Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.com
Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Muscat 2019 $30
Just off-dry and 14.9% ABV. Floral honeysuckle, beeswax, orange marmalade and poached pear. A hint of sherry and makrut lime, with a dry lengthy finish.
Available: pegasusbay.com
Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Riesling 2023 $30
5 stars! Outstanding riesling. Medium sweet and crisp, made with late-picked grapes and a portion of ‘noble rot’ affected fruit. Mandarin citrus, clover honey, sultanas, honeysuckle and muscatel raisins. Lengthy finish.
Available: Glengarry, Caro’s pegasusbay.com
Mont’ Albano Bardolino Chiaretto Friuli Rosé (organic) 2021 $24
Vinted from a blend of indigenous grapes. Light and delicate at a deceptive 12.5% ABV. Red cherry, strawberries and cream, soft acids and a gentle palate.
Available: Dhall & Nash winecentral.co.nz
Grasshopper Rock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022 $49
Soft and silky, with black cherry, lapsang souchong smokiness, red liquorice and spiced plum compote.
Available: Dhall & Nash grasshopperrock.co.nz
Pegasus Bay North Canterbury ‘Prima Donna’ Pinot Noir 2020 $105
Slightly funky, with tart cherry, smoky stewed plum, baking spices, savoury umami grilled mushroom and a lengthy dry palate.
Available: Caro’s pegasusbay.com vinofino.co.nz
De La Terre Hawkes Bay Syrah 2021 $40
Rich and complex at 14% ABV, with stewed plum, black pepper, vanillin oak, savoury grilled mushroom, a tad of liquorice and a dry firm finish.
Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.com
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Washington USA Merlot $28
5 stars! Fab and generous. Soft and ripe, with sweet dark berry fruit and stewed plum, Christmas cake, dark chocolate and savoury umami mushroom. Smooth, lengthy finish.
Available: Dhall & Nash blackmarket.com
Pegasus Bay North Canterbury ‘Fortissimo’ fortified Muscat 2023 $45
5 stars! Glorious dessert style, at 15% ABV. Floral jasmine and honeysuckle, with orange marmalade, lemon squash citrus and a hint of limoncello.
Available: pegasusbay.com
