The Everwild Reserve Sparkling Cuveé Riche NVhas attractive aromas of white peach and summer flowers, elegant mid-palate weight and a spritzy, tangy length of flavour.
Author: Yvonne
Millton Vineyard Muskats @ Dawn 2011
With a striking bottle design featuring a silver crown seal and an exclusive Kate Sylvester print on the label, Millton Vineyard’s Muskats @ Dawn 2011 ($22) is a “biologically produced” pearler from Gisborne which I hear was the surprise hit of the local wine and food festival this year. “We couldn’t keep up with demand – it … Read More
Is Purple Death the worst wine in the world?
There’s a bit of a survey making the rounds of the Twittersphere asking if Purple Death might be the worst wine ever made. I think that’s a tad harsh. Back when I was a teenager and it was the only thing I could afford that actually had any alcoholic strength; I thought it was pretty … Read More
Tresillian Single Vineyard Canterbury Riesling 2008
Tresillian Single Vineyard Canterbury Riesling 2008 $18.50 A lovely example of older riesling sourced from Tresillian’s ‘certified-sustainable’ Lumsden vineyard. Prepare yourself for aromas of beeswax, tangelo, lime and mineral notes while on the palate is nicely balanced with a touch of sweetness and a crisp, tangy finish. For stockists visit www.tresillian.co.nz Tresillian Riesling 2008
Tuatara Ardennes Strong Golden Ale
Tuatara Ardennes Strong Golden Ale 330ml 6.5% $7 Bright and brassy with a solid, foamy head in the glass, I love the aromas of citrus oil and exotic spices. It’s tangy and crisp, yet very intense and gutsy on the finish – almost a meal in itself! Great stuff. www.tuatarabrewing.co.nz Tuatara Ardennes
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet 2009
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet 2009 $45 Created from fruit sourced from two regions in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Robe and Mount Benson. It’s a wine that’s walking away with trophy’s left, right and centre – and it’s easy to see why because it’s just so incredibly well-built. Lifted pepper and smoke wrap around … Read More
Gladstone Vineyard Sophie’s Choice Barrel Fermented Wairarapa Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Gladstone Vineyard ‘Sophie’s Choice’ Barrel Fermented Wairarapa Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $35 It’s as yellow as its Golden Retriever namesake. The late Sophie spent 14 years chasing birds, eating the grapes which fell from the crusher and bludging food from customers in the café. She’s much missed but this wine will leave a lasting impression. … Read More
Aperol Aperitivo
Aperol Aperitivo ($35) 700ml. Produced in Padova by the Barbieri Brothers, Aperol is the number one selling spirit in Italy. It’s basically a low-alcohol aperitif which has a gorgeous, bittersweet taste of orange oil, mandarin peel and exotic spices. I have no idea how it’s made because the recipe is a secret, but at 11% … Read More
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon ($45) 700ml (40%) and I can’t for the life of me understand why it took so long to taste it. Each batch is totally hand-made from a single source of iron-free, limestone spring water, malted barley, wheat and yellow corn which fermented in old cypress tanks (not stainless steel) then it’s … Read More
Ardmore Single Malt
Ardmore ($80) 700ml (46%) Founded by one of Scotland’s most famous whisky families, Ardmore is also the core ingredient in Teachers Blended Scotch Whisky and the family have been distilling fine Highland Malt since 1898. I love the lifted, smoky aromatics and silky caramel and spice flavours and its long, warming, toasty mouthfeel.