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
Author: Yvonne
The hunt is on for the best wine tourism ventures in the South Island – press release
Christchurch/South Island Best of Wine Tourism Awards 2013 7 August, 2012 In search of the best of wine tourism The hunt is on for the best wine tourism ventures in the South Island. Nominations are being called for the 3rd annual Best of Wine Tourism Awards which honour outstanding wineries and other tourism related businesses … Read More
Thirsty Work TV Series
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
The Foodstore Winemakers Evening – Kevin Judd Aug 13th
Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010
Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010 $85 Who says the Gimblett Gravels and Waiheke Island are the be all and end all of great kiwi Bordeaux-style reds? This is a stunning example from the Stillwater area just north of Auckland near the Whangaparoa Peninsula and it’s a muscular, multilayered wine with leathery, … Read More
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 $26 Incredibly rich, bright, vibrantly fruited with wild strawberry, cherry and exotic spices. It’s a sensational pinot for the price and boasts lovely complexity and luscious length of flavour. www.saintclair.co.nz
Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $23 Fresh, punchy and packed with passionfruit and lime – this is a little cracker from New Zealand’s newest wine region. I like the clean, rich, flavoursome mouthfeel, and I think it’ll drink nicely for the next couple of years. www.ohaugravels.co.nz
Renaissance Craftsman Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Renaissance Craftsman Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 500ml $10 With a hefty addition of oatmeal and dark roasted cocoa nibs this has a thick, foamy, coffee-coloured head, aromas of espresso and smoky treacle. In the mouth it is smooth, silky and has an almost meaty richness and a long, persistent finish. www.renaissancebrewing.co.nz
Yalumba ‘The Reserve’ 2001
Yalumba ‘The Reserve’ 2001 $128 Impenetrable, squid ink colour, and for an 11 year old wine it’s still so incredibly fresh with sweet cocoa, christmas pudding spices, exotically rich and densely concentrated dark fruit flavours. A blend of Barossa-sourced Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz which is only made in exceptional vintages, it’s a wine that’s really … Read More
Neudorf Home Vineyard Moutere Pinot Noir 2010
Neudorf Home Vineyard Moutere Pinot Noir 2010 $79 Wow! Scented with exotic baking spices, cinnamon, black guava, cocoa, rhubarb, succulent tannins and beautifully balanced acidity and lush, sexy length of flavour. A little more time in the cellar and it’ll be a showstopper for sure. www.neudorf.co.nz