Published NZ Herald Sat 19 Mar 2016
Reasons to be cheerful. On this day in 1932 the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened, on the same day in 1957 Elvis Presley bought Graceland and today in 1984, the TV show ‘Kate & Allie’ premiered. Let’s raise a toast to random trivia…
Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $50
Just a splash of ‘whole bunch’ has gone into the ferment to enhance the texture and richness of this wine. Whole bunch ferments are very different to the usual ‘crushed berry’ ferments and they really add all sorts of complex layers of black tea, dark cherry and soft smoky notes to the wine. I love the elastic, velvety tannins and the juicy texture. Winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert does it again.
Pair with: slow cooked lamb shoulder
Kaimira Estate Brightwater Nelson Gewurztraminer 2013 $18
Those of you who love the unmistakeable lift of lychee, Turkish delight and freshly grated ginger that good gewurz can bring, will enjoy this crisp, crunchy new release. It’s not a bold, lusciously sweet example, more a bouncy, buoyant and tangy-fresh sip that leaves a twang of lemon verbena and peach on the palate. A real crowd-pleaser.
Pair with: Butter Chicken
Castelforte Pinot Grigio IGT 2014 $19
I love the instant hit of lime, lemon and nashi pear on the nose and the incredibly clean, focused, floral and mineral direction on the palate. It’s pillowy and elegant to drink, soft yet constantly present with its gum-tingling acidity. Plus the label looks like money and there’s faint hint of sweetness on the finish. Yum!
Pair with: Goats cheese anything
