Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010 $22 Inspired by the Rugby World Cup, winemaker Steve Gill says it’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok and deep fried wallaby and also “to wash down any English puddings”. Ripe and robust, peppery and smooth, it’s dangerously easy to drink. Created as a hearty, ribsticking wine to enjoy … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Alpha Domus ‘The Barnstormer’ Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010
Alpha Domus The Barnstormer HB Syrah 2010 $27 A sexy, glossy magenta-coloured wine oozing aromas of freshly ground black pepper, roast beef and ripe berryfruit. It is deliciously silky to drink and boasts fresh blackberry and liquorice flavours with a smoky undercurrent which leads to a long finish complete with clinging, muscular tannins. A lovely match … Read More
Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $27 If you’re after bog-standard, simple sauvignon blanc then move along because this wine is something else! Crafted by Simon Waghorn, one of New Zealand’s most experienced sauvignon stylists, the cooler growing temperatures of 2010 are definitely evident in the herbal, nettle, asparagus and brassica-like aromas. In … Read More
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2010
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2009 $22 I love the nose on this wine! Subtle, mineral-like aromas with hints of rose petal, lychee and a burst of candyfloss lead the way to a crisp, clean, refreshing mouthfeel with a hint of sweetness. It doesn’t ooze the intense richness of previous vintages, but it has a lovely … Read More
Forrest Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2008
Forrest Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2008 $22 Gorgeous ripe grapefruit and mandarin aromas combine with solid toasty oak notes and a rich, attractive bacon-like character really rounds out the complexity of this wine. Lovely fresh acidity and juicy length of flavour makes it a superb match with classic roast chicken or seared scallops wrapped in bacon. … Read More
27th August 2011 Is colour all it’s cracked up to be?
Is Colour all it’s cracked up to be? One of the unique aspects of this job is that over the course of a year you get to try an immense array of wines from week to week and your tastebuds are constantly tested because they’re never allowed a dull moment. Many of the wines I … Read More
NZ International Wine Show 2011
Righto…8.44am and I’m about to head into the second day of judging at the NZIWS at North Harbour Stadium. 80 Pinot Noir and 60 Shiraz await my team – Jane Skilton MW, Michael Ivecevich and Damian Fisher. Sorry teeth, but it’s gonna be a big one.
Ti Point Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010
Ti Point Two Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $22 Matakana winemaker Tracy Haslam has created a really tasty wine with bright berryfruit, smoke and pepper notes on the nose followed by lovely plush, fruit-forward tannins and a ripe, robust finish. A definite crowd-pleaser and absolutely lovely with steak and kidney pie. www.tipoint.co.nz
Brown Brothers Shiraz 2009
Brown Brothers Shiraz 2009 $18 A classic, super-drinkable shiraz from Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. Stewed plum, pepper and roast beef aromas lead to a ripe, spicy mouthfeel which makes it very easy to drink. Regularly discounted to $13 – $15 in supermarkets, it represents fantastic value for money and definitely won’t disappoint. Widely available www.brownbrothers.com.au
Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2009
Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah 2009 $55 This is fast becoming a bit of a superstar where Gimblett Gravels syrah is concerned, winemaker Tony Bish and his team have well and truly got world-class syrah in their sights and they’ve got the skills to achieve it. Beautiful magenta-black colour and oozing deliciously peppery, violet, plum and … Read More