Brown Brother’s King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011

February 2, 2020By Yvonne

Brown Brother’s Patricia King Valley Methodé Traditionnelle 2011 $40 Showing gorgeous maturity and caramelised, biscuity complexity, nutty notes and crisp acidity and very pretty length of flavour. Smooth, seductive and drinking beautifully.

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle 2010

December 22, 2015By Yvonne

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $40 ★★★★ Produced organically and biodynamically by Rudi Bauer down in Bendigo, this southern star has soft, smoky, flinty aromas and a rich, nutty, marshmallow-like texture in the mid palate.  Very precise and cleansing it is too. www.vinofino.co.nz  

Tohu Rewa Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2012

November 24, 2015By Yvonne

Tohu Rewa Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2012 $32 ★★★★ A couple of years in the bottle has seen this impressive Marlborough-grown, 100% chardonnay-based bubbles mature very nicely indeed.  Deep straw-yellow colour and showing delicate beading and smooth cashew nut and creamy lemon characters on the nose and palate give this sparkling good complexity and … Read More

Methode Acting…

February 27, 2012By Yvonne

For Richard Riddiford of Martinborough’s Palliser Estate “there are some occasions where only bubbles will do” and I agree with him wholeheartedly.  Over the last twelve months I’ve immersed myself in surfeit of sensational New Zealand sauvignon blanc at the Wine Marlborough Weekend, tantalised my tastebuds with lashings of luscious, lime-laden rieslings at the Summer … Read More

Wright’s Vineyard Entity Methode Traditionnelle 2010

February 12, 2012By Yvonne

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $25  Made entirely from chardonnay, this is an organically produced Blanc de Blanc from Gisborne’s Ormond Valley, and if you’re expecting something frilly and feminine – forget it.  This fizz reflects the ‘chaos factor’ of family life for Geoff and Nicola Wright as they work hard to maintain their … Read More

Deutz Prestige Marlborough Cuvee 2008

February 2, 2012By Yvonne

Deutz Prestige Marlborough Cuvée 2008 $38  Elegant and restrained, this wine has tiny pinprick bubbles and soft aromas of almond, oyster shell, lemon and mineral notes. In the mouth it is delicate and cloudlike, yet has delicious freshness, substance and citrus complexity. Vibrant and rich, this is definitely a new favourite for me.

Sherwood Estate Laverique 2008

December 16, 2011By Yvonne

As far as sparkling wines go, the Sherwood Estate 2008 Laverique ($30)  is now a new favourite.  A 50/50 blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, its lean, lemony aromas and elegant, minerally mouthfeel made it lovely to drink. Rich, toasty and fresh, it has personality, poise and fantastic length of flavour. www.sherwood.co.nz.  I have to be honest and … Read More

Nobilo Icon Methode Traditionnelle 2007

November 15, 2011By Yvonne

Nobilo Icon Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $24  Sexy rose-gold colour and boasting aromas of quince paste, almond and delicate raspberry notes.  Ultra-clean and elegant in the extreme this local sparkling represents absolutely superb value for money.  www.nobilo.co.nz