Methode Acting…

February 27, 2012By Yvonne

For Richard Riddiford of Martinborough’s Palliser Estate “there are some occasions where only bubbles will do” and I agree with him wholeheartedly.  Over the last twelve months I’ve immersed myself in surfeit of sensational New Zealand sauvignon blanc at the Wine Marlborough Weekend, tantalised my tastebuds with lashings of luscious, lime-laden rieslings at the Summer … Read More

William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009

February 22, 2012By Yvonne

William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009 $65  Built around a solid spine of cabernet sauvignon, and with absolutely no insecticide, herbicide, pesticide, or systemic or non-organic chemicals of any kind being used; this wine is about as organic and natural as they come.  Crafted by Hayden Penny from fruit sourced from Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels, this … Read More

Be a Herzog Winemaker for a Day April 2012

February 20, 2012By Yvonne

Kemp Rare Wines presents Herzog Winemaker For A Day – Harvest 2012 Come join Hans & Therese in their beautiful vineyard and get dirty for a weekend vintage stint! Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th April 2012 DAY 1 – Saturday. Early morning session from 8am – Vineyard & Winery  Harvest is on – get a … Read More

Wright’s Vineyard Entity Methode Traditionnelle 2010

February 12, 2012By Yvonne

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $25  Made entirely from chardonnay, this is an organically produced Blanc de Blanc from Gisborne’s Ormond Valley, and if you’re expecting something frilly and feminine – forget it.  This fizz reflects the ‘chaos factor’ of family life for Geoff and Nicola Wright as they work hard to maintain their … Read More

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Riesling 2010

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Riesling 2010 $26  A lipsmackingly lean, clean riesling that has lovely citrus and mineral characters and a really impressive, textural mouthfeel.  It’s fabulous and absolutely rocks with black pepper king prawns slathered in garlic and chilli.  www.villamaria.co.nz Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Riesling 2010

Fromm Winery Marlborough Spatlese Riesling 2009

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Fromm Winery Marlborough Spatlese Riesling 2009 $32  With soft, subtle aromas of wet stones, pear and rose apple, prepare yourself for a mouthful of crunchy-fresh citrus, strudel spices and tangy heritage apple flavours.   If you’re looking for a fabulous example of refreshingly crisp riesling with a splash of sweetness and an awesome, enduring finish then … Read More

Rockburn Wines ‘Tigermoth’ Central Otago Riesling 2011

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Rockburn Wines ‘Tigermoth’ Central Otago Riesling 2011 $27  Wow.  Where to start?  Is it the gorgeous, lifted floral, mineral and citrus-driven aromatics.  Or maybe the intense honeysuckle, lime and juicy nectarine notes in the mouth.  It could definitely be the stunning line of acidity that sews all of these elements together seamlessly.   Whatever it is, … Read More

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $19  White peach, lemon peel and fresh floral aromas lead to an ultra-clean, bracingly fresh mouthfeel that smacks of citrus and lime-laden loveliness.  The finish is sorbet-like, crisp and lengthy, it’s truly superb stuff and it’s quite unbelievable that it costs less than twenty dollars.  www.terraceedge.co.nz Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 … Read More

Borsao Garnacha 2009

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Borsao Garnacha 2009 $21  A saucy Spanish red from Aragon’s Campo de Borja subregion, it is a blend of 85 percent Garnacha (Grenache) and 25 percent Tempranillo with layers of dried herbs, plum, tea leaf, coffee bean and red rose notes.  Superb with anything chargrilled, this wine has warming, spicy smoke and cocoa characters on … Read More

Framingham F-Series Montepulciano Rosato 2011

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Framingham F-Series Montepulciano Rosato 2011 $25  Definitely one of the best rosés I’ve tried in the last twelve months.  Vibrant bright crimson colour with gorgeous creaming soda, raspberry and rhubarb aromas, this pretty-in-pink wine also boasts juicy, succulent berry flavours on the finish.  Satisfying, refreshing and rewarding no matter what time of year you drink … Read More