Made from mostly pinot noir blended with a little merlot that’s aged for 10 years in old French oak, is the Linden Estate NV Port ($27) Fruit is hand-harvested at the absolute highest ripeness level achievable for the given year and where possible, botrytised grapes are added to enhance the apricot notes in this sensationally … Read More
NV
Veuve Laperrière Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Veuve Laperrière Blanc de Blancs Brut NV $18 If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, cashewy, peachy bubbles with a hint of sweetness and a complete lack of wallet-impact then you’ve come to the right cul de sac. Made entirely from chardonnay (that’s where the peachiness comes from), it’s a grin-inducing, biscuity little sip that … Read More
Ruby Bay Jewel Methode Traditionelle NV $38 (5 stars)
Where has this fizz been all my life? With ultra-fine beading and plucky, persistent mousse in the glass, it just looks like money. Thankfully it more than measures up in the mouth. Subtle and beautifully structured, it oozes almond and brioche aromas, raspberry shortbread and shows a creamy, full-bodied yeasty, biscuity backbone. Vibrant, rich and … Read More
Mansfield & Marsh Methode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wine NV
Mansfield & Marsh Methode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wine NV $14.95 ★★★★ This is my new favourite bargain bubbly. It’s lifted and lemony on the nose, awash with creamy, nutty notes and has some delicious bready, biscuity complexity on the finish. There’s even a smidge of apple and oatcake happening too. Superb value here, and if the label … Read More
Codorniu Cuvée Barcelona 1872 NV
Codorniu Cuvée Barcelona 1872 NV $31 ★★★½ Soft, chalky, seashell-like aromas merge with lemon and white peach to make this a lovely example of Spanish cava which is super-delicate in the mouth. Made from macabeu, xarello and parellada grapes and weighing in at a demure 11.5% alc, it’s a lipsmackingly light and crisp sip that’s … Read More
The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV
The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV $29 ★★★★ Despite being recent converts to the sparkling shiraz, Kiwis are loving it; one sip of this tongue-pumpingly sweet sparkler and you’ll see why. Dark black-currant and cherry flavours merge with a blast of mocha, bitter chocolate and baking spices on the palate, plus there’s a lick of zingy … Read More
J. De Villaret Cremant de Loire Rose NV
J. De Villaret Cremant de Loire Rose NV $19.99 ★★★★ The Loire Valley is France’s largest producer of sparkling wine outside of the Champagne region. Most Cremant de Loire is produced around the city of Saumur and are blends of chardonnay, chenin blanc and cabernet franc. This super-affordable example has a very pretty salmon and … Read More
Codorniu Cuvee Barcelona 1872 Rosé NV
Codorniu Cuvee Barcelona 1872 Rosé NV $31.00 ★★★★ This is the first time I’ve tried Spanish Cava made in a rosé style and I really like it. While white cava is traditionally made using Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes, this is made from a selection of different red grapes and is fermented in oak casks. … Read More
Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé Brut NV
Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé Brut NV $28 ★★★★½ Tasmania is known around the world as a producer of super-fine, delicate sparkling wines and Jansz have been at the top of the tree since 1986. They’ve even coined their own brand ‘Methode Tasmanoise’ in homage to their France-Australia founders. This rosé is ultra-pale, ballet-shoe pink with … Read More
Torresella Prosecco DOC NV
Torresella Prosecco DOC NV $14.99 ★★★ This is for lovers of sparkling wine so dry it’s practically skeletal. Aromas of green apple, lime, flint and oyster shells lead to a nicely balanced, lean, chalky mouthfeel containing hints of citrus and shows good length of flavour. www.winesale.co.nz
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