Winemaker series: Simon Osicka
I arrive after a drive through the back roads of Heathcote to meet Simon Osicka at his family-owned property. Paul Osicka Wines was started by vigneron Paul Osicka in 1955 …
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Three Fates Cabernet Franc 2022
A Cabernet Franc from the Noetzli Family Vineyard in Maraekakaho, Hawke’s Bay. A light burgundy red in the glass. More of a Loire-inspired expression than Bordeaux, this has a crunch …
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Smith & Sheth Cru Heretaunga Chardonnay 2021
From what the label describes as “a very good to exceptional Hawke’s Bay vintage, especially for Chardonnay”. A mixture of clones and vineyard sources this year – clones 95, Mendoza, …
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Qupe Bien Nacido Roussanne 2009
Qupe’s Bob Lindquist planted some of the first Rhone varietals in California at the Bien Nacido Hillside Estate vineyard in the 1990s and became known as one of founding ‘Rhone …
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Dry River Pinot Noir 2021
One of New Zealand’s best regarded wines, from low-yielding old vines (of over twenty years age), on the Martinborough Terrace. A vibrant ruby-purple in the glass. Youthful, energetic aromas showing …
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La Pleiade Shiraz 2019
A Heathcote wine that is the joint venture of famed Rhone Valley winemakers Michel and Corinne Chapoutier and Ron and Elva Laughton of Jasper Hill. An opaque purple-black in the …
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Rockburn Tigermoth Riesling 2022
Taking inspiration from ‘Spätlese’ expressions of Riesling of Germany which are lighter in alcohol, and offer an off-dry sweetness balanced with a racy acidity. Grown in the Parkburn Vineyard, Central …
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Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1994
A return to a wine I’ve had throughout my career writing about wines – from my time in Europe, and the occasional glass here in New Zealand. The oldest I’ve …
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A series: Selling wine in New Zealand – Part 7: Ric Little
Gone too soon. I could hardly believe the news when I saw it. Rare to find someone so admired in the industry. I have had this conversation with Ric tucked …
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Rockburn Fumé Blanc 2022
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine, from the Parkburn Vineyard in Central Otago. An expression far removed from what the world expects from a Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. The juice …
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