Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV

3 March 2012By Yvonne

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV It pours into the glass like a cloud of yellow  diamond foam – aromas of cashew, brulee, hints of lemon, peach and a delicate smoky texture with pinprick-fine bead.

Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007

27 February 2012By Yvonne

Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $37  With tiny, beaded bubbles, creamy, bouncy foam and beautiful texture, this sparkling has classic breadcrust, biscuit and intrinsically elegant dry citrus flavours which leap out of the glass.  Superb with freshly shucked oysters or tender, stir-fried prawns.  www.palliser.co.nz Palliser Estate Methode Traditionnelle 2007

Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle

27 February 2012By Yvonne

Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle $53  Made entirely from chardonnay, I really like the aromas of salty, sea breezes and preserved lemon.  In the mouth it is rich, tangy and quite unique.  Only the second sparkling I’ve seen from Waiheke Island and signs for the future are solid – hooray!  www.manowarvineyards.co.nz Man … Read More

Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV

27 February 2012By Yvonne

Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV $23 Fête is French for ‘party’ apparently and a splash of pinot gris injects a fruity, tropical, nashi pear note into this wine which will definitely please the crowds.  It also has an interesting nutty, textural finish.  Following on from the legendary 1963 ‘Fontanella’, the ‘Fête’ was designed … Read More

Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007

27 February 2012By Yvonne

Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $22  Exceptional value for money.  Elegant.  Enduring  and absolutely one of the most excellent examples on the market.  Aromas of rising dough, lemon mousse and toasted brioche are followed by pinprick acidity, clean, delicate texture and amazingly robust, nutty, mineral notes on the finish.  Amazing.  For … Read More

Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010

27 February 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

Methode Acting…

27 February 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

22 February 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

20 February 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

12 February 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