Kaimira Estate Nelson Syrah 2011 $38 (3.5 stars)

3 April 2017By Yvonne

A highly savoury wine, with aromas of cured meats, black olive and peppercorn dominating the nose and then coursing through onto the palate.  Rooibos tea, dark cocoa and just the most subtle hints of rhubarb and leather also soak through, leaving a richly complex mouthfeel behind.  Mellow and warming on the finish.  Sip with:  Lamb … Read More

Chalk Hill Sidetrack Mclaren Vale 2011

31 March 2016By Yvonne

Chalk Hill Sidetrack Mclaren Vale 2011 $27 ★★★½ This is a lush, spicy blend of shiraz and grenache which carries an exotic, slightly medicinal aroma that wraps around slightly earthy characters like prunes and pepper.  There’s also a lovely smoky, nutty note and a long, gently savoury finish. Winemaker Jock Harvey fashioned the Sidetrack in … Read More

Allan Scott Cecilia Brut Vintage 2011

1 February 2016By Yvonne

Allan Scott Cecilia Brut Vintage 2011 $28 ★★★★ The Scott family have been making wine in Marlborough since way back in 1990, however it’s only been in recent years that their sparkling wines have really started to make a real impact, well on my palate anyway.  This vintage Methode Traditionnelle is crafted from chardonnay only … Read More

Pegasus Bay Waipara Barrique Fermented Noble Semillon Sauvignon 2011 375ml

19 January 2016By Yvonne

Pegasus Bay Waipara Barrique Fermented Noble Semillon Sauvignon 2011 375ml $37 Wow!  I love the amber-topaz colour of this glossy dessert wine.  It smells like honey drizzled over oatcakes and there’s an exotic toffee note cloaking baked stonefruit and an intense sweetness encasing a monster 14.5% alcohol.  Wild yeast fermented and aging for two years … Read More

Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano 2011

5 January 2016By Yvonne

Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano 2011 $22 ★★★ A lighter style of red that’ll appeal to those who like a soft, savoury edge to their reds, this Italian quaffer has a flick of dried herbs, gentle meaty notes and a smooth, easy-to-drink style.  www.blackmarket.com  

Marisco Pride and Glory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

5 January 2016By Yvonne

Marisco Pride and Glory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $65 ★★★★★ Yes, you saw it correctly, a four year old sauvignon blanc that’s a new release!  For Brent Marris and his team this has been a special project to produce a sassily complex sauvignon sourced from the Waihopai Valley that oozes white peach, lemon verbena, creamy … Read More

Greystone Basket Star Riesling 2011

16 November 2015By Yvonne

Greystone Basket Star Riesling 2011 375ml $38.90 ★★★★★ It hardly seems possible this multiple gold medal and 5-star winner could get better, but with each year that passes it just does.  Golden and gorgeous in the glass and oozing aromas of candied mandarins, fig, quince and blue-borage honey alongside baked citrus flavours and a full, … Read More

Falua Terciua Touriga Nacional 2011

14 September 2015By Yvonne

Falua Terciua Touriga Nacional 2011 $22  ★★★★ “I reckon it’s an absolute star, and is my go-to red wine right now.” Says Richard Sherriff of Wellington’s Regional Wines & Spirits – who isn’t easy to impress. “Dollar for dollar there isn’t much that comes close to it” – and I’d have to agree.  This excellent … Read More

Fuedo Zirtari Nero d’Avola Syrah 2011

12 June 2015By Yvonne

Fuedo Zirtari Nero d’Avola Syrah 2011 $20 ★★★½ This is a super-savoury little Italian sipper, loaded with liquorice, pepper and leather notes,  meaty, black olive and prune layers and rich, roasting pan juices flavour on the finish.  Velvety, smooth and dangerously easy to drink.  www.winesale.co.nz

Sweet As For Summer!

17 December 2011By Yvonne

“We will NEVER do nine stickies in one year ever again” says a worn-out Dr Andrew Hedley. 2011 is Andrew’s tenth year at Framingham Wines, and to celebrate he and his team thought it might be clever to have a crack at making every style of sweet white wine under the sun.  Yet having been … Read More