Naturale Skor Premium Lager ($6 x 340ml) Created by Tony Dapson from BrewMoreBeers Ltd, this is a fantastic little lager that I discovered at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Show recently. Vibrantly hoppy with flavoursome, mouthfilling malt and a refreshingly rich finish it’s a good drop from this small brewery. Even my truck driver dad pronounced … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $25 If you’re thinking sauvignon from these seriously southern climes would be lean and green, think again. Amisfield’s has pungent, ripe, tropical pineapple, lime and passionfruit aromas with basil and peapod notes. It’s vibrant, refreshingly zesty, ultra-tangy and has a lovely, satisfying mouthfeel and superb, clean length of flavour. Great … Read More
14 November 2011 Wine Guide’s 20th Anniversary & New Winery on the Wairau
It’s been called ‘the absolute bible of New Zealand wines’ and ‘totally indispensable’ by critics and consumers alike, and over the last 20 years I’ve watched Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines grow from a dainty, pocket-sized paperback to a tome so heavy SAS troops are made to complete torturous 10km training runs with volumes … Read More
Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime Cider
Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime Cider 500ml 4% $6.50 This Swedish cider was launched ten years ago by the 155 year old Åbro Bryggeri Brewery in Vimmerby. It’s a combination I’d never considered for cider and despite it being very sweet and strawberryish initially, the lime kicks in quickly and injects a tangy, cleansing citrus burst … Read More
Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Sauvignon Cabernet 2011
Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Sauvignon Cabernet 2011 $17 No I haven’t got the name of the grape back-to-front, this new release is a blend of 70% sauvignon blanc, 25% cabernet sauvignon and a splash of shiraz. It’s a crazy blend, sort of like a rose on steroids meaning its dark crimson, dense, dry, spicy and … Read More
Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2010
Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2010 $26 Scented with sweet apricot, apple, kiwi and marshmallow notes, yet in the mouth new layers of white peach, granny smith and nectarine stone unfurl on the tongue. Beautifully balanced and fresh, and definitely one that will reward patient cellaring. www.greywacke.com
Belhaven ‘Wee Heavy’ Scottish Ale 500ml
Belhaven Wee Heavy Scottish Ale 500ml 6.5% $8 Saucy ruby-amber in the glass with enduring, creamy head, and sweet caramel aromas followed by a silky, smoky mouthfeel and a rich, rewarding finish. Available from selected supermarkets and liquor outlets, otherwise visitwww.federalgeo.co.nz for a stockist near you.
Moa ‘Blanc Evolution’ 375ml
Moa ‘Blanc Evolution’ 375ml 6.2% ($32 x 4pk) A creamy, fluffy head above a cloudy, golden liquid leads the way to hints of coriander to spice up the smooth, crisp palate of this Belgian-style wheat beer. I love the long, zesty finish. Visit www.moabeer.com for stockists.
Penny’s Hill ‘The Veteran’ Very Old Fortified
Penny’s Hill ‘The Veteran’ Very Old Fortified $42 This South Australian fortified shiraz oozes aromas of rose caramel, toffee and manuka honey lead to deep raisin and Christmas pudding spices followed by a smooth, silky finish. For local stockists visit www.federalgeo.co.nz
Nobilo Icon Methode Traditionnelle 2007
Nobilo Icon Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $24 Sexy rose-gold colour and boasting aromas of quince paste, almond and delicate raspberry notes. Ultra-clean and elegant in the extreme this local sparkling represents absolutely superb value for money. www.nobilo.co.nz