8 WIRED C4 DOUBLE COFFEE BROWN ALE

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

8 WIRED C4 DOUBLE COFFEE BROWN ALE 500ml, $11.75 With its rich amber-bronze colour, aromas of toasted hazelnuts, sweet espresso and intense hops, this beer is definitely a new favourite for me. I love the moorish, malty mid-palate and the beautifully balanced coffee flavours on the finish. www.beerstore.co.nz

EAGLE VS DOG EPISODE 2 PAN GALACTIC GARGLE BLASTER IMPERIAL BROWN ALE

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

EAGLE VS DOG EPISODE 2 PAN GALACTIC GARGLE BLASTER IMPERIAL BROWN ALE 500ml, $9.20 Sean Harris, from Raindogs Brewing, and Dave Gaghan, from Golden Eagle Brewery, have formed an evil twinship to produce a beer they reckon “is like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped around a large gold brick”. … Read More

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2009

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2009, $25  If the heady, exotic perfume of red rose, anise, cigarbox, sweet dark cocoa, violets and seasoned leather don’t wow you, the succulent dark fruit flavours and velvety finish definitely will. It’s a sensational wine, in the true Aussie style but without a hint of jamminess. The acidity … Read More

WITHER HILLS MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

WITHER HILLS MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011, $20  The best thing about this wine (apart from the fact that it’s absolutely fabulous) is that you can get it pretty much everywhere and that it’s such an awesome price! Concentrated tropical pineapple, peach and citrus fruit flavours frolic across the palate, yet it’s also quite taut and tangy … Read More

AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010, $30  Subtle mango sorbet and delicate limey citrus notes are what you’ll find on the nose, yet in the mouth it’s a different pot of pesce altogether. Full flavoured, rich, concentrated fruit flavours are fleshed out with mineral-driven intensity, lipsmacking acidity and punch on the palate. It’s a beautiful … Read More

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2010

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

CRAGGY RANGE GIMBLETT GRAVELS CHARDONNAY 2010, $34  Drool-inducing aromas of grapefruit pith, ripe peach and buttered crumpets slathered in honey. It’s succulent and juicy with tropical tones and nicely balanced, gently-managed toasty oak to counter the fruit sweetness. Crisp and tangy, it’s a real treat and worth every cent. www.craggyrange.com

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2009

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ 2009, $29  The Bin 28 Kalimna is the oldest of all the Penfolds Bin series wines and there’s no surprise as to why it’s stayed a firm favourite for generations. I love the sweet, spicy, vanilla-infused oak and concentrated plum, boysenberry and smoky notes in this wine. It’s warm, velvety … Read More

Stalked by the ‘Digest, saved by the bottle…

August 8, 2012By Yvonne

How has your week been? Not too traumatic I hope. Sadly, I’ve suffered a fate in the last few days that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I’ve been found by Readers Digest. Only two years ago I celebrated finally being rid of those constant “Authorised Prize Guarantee” and pushy “Sweepstakes Chances” letters, but … Read More

Thirsty Work TV Series

August 7, 2012By Yvonne

Over the years in my job as a drinks writer, I have met the most incredible winemakers and craft brewers.  I’d dreamt of one day being able to introduce them and their fantastic stories to you and now that’s a reality with my tv series ‘Thirsty Work’.  Across four seasons, we uncover the hard-working, pioneering, innovators … Read More