Nuggets of Chardonnay

August 8, 2015By Yvonne

Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 8 Aug 2015 Right now,  New Zealand’s most expensive white wine happens to be a chardonnay. This little nugget of news doesn’t surprise me because crafting great chardonnay can’t be done on the cheap.  First you need to find the perfect piece of land, then you need to source the … Read More

A Tasty Trifecta for under $20

August 1, 2015By Yvonne

Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 1 Aug 2015   It’s about that time of year when couples the length and breadth of the country start to freak out because their spring wedding is just around the corner and they still haven’t organised the drinks for the reception!  If your budget happens to be on the … Read More

Juice from winery grapes has more kick

August 1, 2015By Yvonne

Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 1 Aug 2015 In all my years writing wine columns, one of the most common questions I’m asked, is whether it’s possible to find grape juice made from the types of grapes that make wine?  Why?  Believe me, once you’ve tasted the juice of a wine grape, it’s almost impossible … Read More

Spanish Drinkquisition

July 25, 2015By Yvonne

Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 25 July 2015   Armies of new Spanish wines are appearing pretty much everywhere I turn lately and this is brilliant news if you’re partial to spicy, smooth quaffers that won’t damage your wallet.  A bunch of canny importers bought up large while our kiwi dollar was strong – so … Read More

Roast Day cometh!!

July 18, 2015By Yvonne

Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 18 July 2015   Sunday August 2nd is fast becoming one of my favourite Sundays of the year because I have full permission to abandon all arty farty food anxieties and get amongst a gloriously old school roast. Selaks New Zealand Roast Day is a fantastic initiative instigated by the … Read More

Pinot Trail Tales…

July 14, 2015By Yvonne

Cloudy Bay’s winemaker Nick Lane is racing around the country hosting the Cloudy Bay Pinot and Duck Trail, a series of events designed to showcase how pinot noir and duck dishes are a match made in heaven. Today he’s at Auckland’s Sapphire Room where three of the best chefs in town are preparing duck-centric dishes … Read More

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012

July 14, 2015By Yvonne

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012 $32 ★★★★½ Even if you were somehow blind to the bling on the label (gold medals for Africa here) you’d know as soon as you took the first sip that this wine is astonishingly tasty.  It’s scented with red rose, dried herbs, cocoa and ripe black fruits, … Read More

Beso De Rechenna Reserva Brut Nature Cava

July 14, 2015By Yvonne

Beso De Rechenna Reserva Brut Nature Cava $22 ★★★★ Crafted from 80% macabeo and 20% chardonnay, this is a superb example of deliciously dry and bony bubbles, which boasts delicate breadcrust characters, snappy apple and pear, and a squeak of lime on the finish.  Lovely stuff indeed.  www.stvincentscave.com

Vega Barcelona Cava

July 14, 2015By Yvonne

Vega Barcelona Cava  $16.95 ★★★½ Pillowy soft mousse and aromas of white peach, brulee and a hint of gentle chalkiness give good complexity to this Spanish sparkler. A blend of 30% Macebeo, 35% Xarello, 35% Parellada, this fizz is gently dry and boasts a clean, tangy green apple note on the finish. www.accentonwine.co.nz

RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013

July 14, 2015By Yvonne

RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013 $12.95 ★★★½ Here you’ve got a rich, heady, spicy, plum-driven 100% Tempranillo from the Campo de Cariñena that’s dangerously easy to drink.  Tangy berries, cherries and savoury, leathery notes on the finish should make this a no brainer with burgers. www.moorewilson.co.nz