Abraham Lincoln once said “Folks who have no vices, have very few virtues”. I have three vices du jour – hence my virtuousness runneth over…
Mon Cheval Waipara Gewurztraminer 2016 $29.99
Whoever said racehorses were a great way to lose money, clearly didn’t own ‘Under Cover Lover’, the champion racehorse who earned her owners enough cash to start their dream as winegrowers in Waipara’s Weka Pass. Very small amounts of this gewürztraminer were made by legendary winemaker CP Lin, and I love the ginger, musk and lychees combined with all manner of luxurious, exotic citrus and spices.
Sip with: Yum Moo Grob, a tangy Thai crispy pork salad.
www.greatlittlevineyards.com
Karven Bianco Vermouth 500ml $44.95
The lift of fresh orange zest, intense spices and a mouthfeel so smooth and seductive, it’s no surprise that good vermouth has been used for centuries to aid digestive health and fire up even the most flaccid of libidos. Created from local grapes and botanicals like kawakawa and horopito sourced from near the Riverhead-based distillery, it’s an exceptionally good aperitif.
Sip with: A smile.
Champagne Marion Bosser Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc NV $60
Enjoyed by First Class passengers on British Airways, and recent winner of the Chairman’s Trophy at the ‘Ultimate Wine Challenge’ in NYC, this jaw-slackingly sensational champagne from a tiny vineyard in Hautvillers (home of Dom Perignon) is made by all-female team of Bernadette Marion-Bosser (who rebuilt the brand back in 1994) and her young daughter Elodie, the winemaker. With fresh-baked brioche, nutty nougat and creamy, lemony notes, this is an extremely elegant champagne that had me swooning from the first sip.
Sip with: Oysters anyways…
www.threefrenchvines.com
