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

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Riesling 2010

3 February 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

3 February 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

3 February 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