Sal's Great Portfolio

Co-Pilot is one of my favourite distributors. They may not carry the big Nu Zillund names but they have a great, idiosyncratic selection of vineyards and encompass quirky to classic styles. Syrah from Kerikeri, the once ubiquitous but now sadly unfashionable Gisborne Chardonnay and other gems that have me champing at the bit to list (if only I could get the buying public to understand).

Koura Bay Sauvignon Blanc Awatere 2008
Made by Simon Waghorne of (Auckland fashionable favourite) Astrolabe fame and Simon's Sauvignons are stylish for a reason. As they're stylish and don't venture too much down the thiol route. The nose is punchy and unmistakabley Awatere. A little more fine boned perhaps with floral tones. The palate has wonderful, crunchy, Braeburn acidity that even the pregnant lady can handle (and right now my palate is highly tuned to acid above all else). Expressive and modish. a 3 glass wine

Johanneshof Riesling Marlborough 2003
Stones and stonefruit don't usually sit so comfortably side by side but this bone dry Riesling pulls off a mean trick with a delicate, refreshing, long mineral and lime palate without coming off austere. It's a great relief to find an enjoyable, dry local Riesling. There's no doubt we pull off the Germanic model with increasing ease but this wine proves that for dry Riesling a lie down in a cool place can do wonders for your personality in the summer. Quite something. a 1 bottle wine (if I didn't have to spit I would drink the bottle.... with food)

Brunton Road Chardonnay Gisborne 2007
Roasted nuts, warm peach and lots of jewellry make this an attractive model of Chardonnay. Drinking well this is mouthfilling without being huge with it. And that warm Gisborne sun makes short work of the citrus acids that are so prevalent in other local Chardonnay. 25% new French and American oak lend a touch of coconut to the already clement (but not flabby) drop. a 4 glass wine.

Okahu Chardonnay 2005
This wine uses a little fruit from their Northland vineyards with the balance coming from Hawke's Bay and is a powerful example of the varietal. A nutty, earthy lees-y nose gives way to a little orange fruit and a touch a deep greens. Baked apple sweetness and crust. The palate is fresh and elevated by fine acidity. Recherche.
a 3 glass wine.