Maude, Mt Maude Vineyard, East Block Riesling has been awarded the Supreme Champion Wine In Show Trophy at the Avenues International Aromatic Wine Competition, which is celebrating ten years of competition in 2012. Mt Maude is a family-owned vineyard located just outside of Wanaka in Central Otago. The vineyard was created by winemaking couple Sarah-Kate and Dan … Read More
An interesting wee invitation popped into my inbox from the lovely Andria Monin from Stonecroft in Hawke’s Bay “We will be celebrating Stonecroft’s 30th anniversary at Labour Weekend. As you know, since we took over at Stonecroft in 2010 we have held an Annual Vintage Sale at Labour Weekend, where we have brought out some … Read More
Wild River Dry Pinot Gris 2011 $14.99 ★★★½ Made by Mt. Brown Vineyards in Waipara, this is a crunchy, dry white with clean pear and apple skin characters and some interesting spicy flavours and a mineral-driven finish. Available from www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Rockburn ‘The Art’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010 $80 ★★★★★ Deep and brooding in the glass, it oozes sweet black tea, black cherry and spice while in the mouth it reveals a peacocks-tail of flavours redolent of dried herbs, succulent plum and cocoa characters. It’s a masculine yet elegant wine with real finesse, tension and a … Read More
After more than ten years of trying without success to get a seat at the annual Pinot at Cloudy Bay event I was beginning to think it was just my destiny to forever fail. The first year I was about to pop my cheque in the post when the phone rang. “Congratulations, you’re pregnant,” announced … Read More
Rick Stein’s Spain on FoodTV (new to food tv) TUESDAYS 12.30pm, 4.30pm & 8.30pm Much as I love my father and my stepfather, for years I’ve harboured hope that one day my mother would marry Rick Stein. His manner is always so warm and effortlessly cheerful and there’s just something about him that makes you … Read More
Saint Clair Marlborough Premium Merlot 2010 $21 ★★★½ This has such a gorgeous aroma, boysenberry, plum with a waft of espresso – while in the mouth it is ripe, juicy and very very drinkable. Merlot from Marlborough is looking rather marvelous indeed! www.saintclair.co.nz
Craggy Range Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2011 $43 ★★★★ Sourced from one of the most spectacularly scenic vineyards in the Martinborough region comes this shiny new pinot which is already showing excellent depth of flavour for one so young. Sexy and fragrant with hints of mace, truffle, hedgerow fruits and cherry while in the … Read More
Mills Reef Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet 2011 $18 ★★★★ This is an absolute plum and spice fest in a glass. Loaded with bright berry fruit and yet it’s also very smooth, chocolatey, with a hint of liquorice which is followed by a warming, meaty mouthfeel. Great value. www.millsreef.co.nz