31 October 2011 Fishing for ideas…

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Fishing for ideas… My husband can’t catch a fish.  Ever since we moved to Christchurch from Hawke’s Bay ten months ago he has gone from being an absolute ninja warrior fisherman on river, lake or ocean – to someone who can’t catch a bite to save himself.  I say ninja warrior because anyone familiar with … Read More

Forrest Estate ‘The Doctors’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Forrest Estate ‘The Doctors’ 9.5% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $25  Delicious crushed green herbs, mineral notes and subtle floral aromas lead to a punchy palate bursting with passionfruit, lime and elderflower characters.  A satisfying sauvignon with great length of flavour – one of the best examples around.  www.forrest.co.nz   Forrest ‘The Doctors’ Low Alcohol Marlborough Sauvignon … Read More

Invivo ‘Bella’ Low Calorie Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Invivo ‘Bella’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $19  Lovely lemon-lime sorbet aromas and a feijoa and passionfruit kick around the back teeth.  30% less calories and alcohol than their regular version, this wine is juicy, light-bodied but tasty and tropical with good length of flavour. www.invivowines.com

Waimea Low Alcohol Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2011

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Waimea Low Alcohol Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $22  30% less calories and alcohol than their regular sauvignon blanc, this version is water-white and has attractive passionfruit, preserved lemon and lime aromas.  Light, clean and lemony with a refreshing, tangy finish. www.waimeaestates.co.nz

24 October 2011 Sauvignon Lighten’s Up…

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Sauvignon Lightens Up Alcohol isn’t everything.  I wish someone had told me that when I was eighteen and making an idiot of myself.  But back then there wasn’t much in the way of choice,  it was all or nothing.  Although they contained less alcohol, more than two beers made my stomach churn, I didn’t really … Read More

Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011 $26  Fresh-cut nashi notes, ginger and elderflower aromas lead to clean, refreshingly sweet pear, quince and honeydew flavours in the mouth.  Sourced from Marlborough’s ‘Golden Mile’ this new addition to the Stoneleigh stable is unfussy, straightforward and juicy and sensational with spice-crusted beer can chicken or garlic and chilli … Read More

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Viognier 2010 $14  Textbook viognier aromatics here – orange oil, apricot and mandarin peel, while in the mouth it’s ripe, rich and boasts a lush, oily finish.  It’s an in-your-face style with warming alcohol and good length of flavour – and is a great partner with sweet and sour … Read More

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010 $40  I was so mesmerised by the sexy red currant, cranberry, tamarillo, sweet rhubarb and spicy, cocoa-edged aromas that I had to remind myself to stop sniffing and actually take a sip.  Thank the lord I did because this is superb stuff.  Silky, fleshy and sewn together with elegantly … Read More

Neudorf Maggie’s Block Nelson Pinot Gris 2011

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Neudorf Maggie’s Block Nelson Pinot Gris 2011 $26  If you’re a fan of dry Pinot Gris then fret no further.  Perfumed with vibrant, clean pear and quince flavours, this Nelson wine, grown at their Balquhidder vineyard at Brightwater washes over the palate with juicy generosity and leaves a hint of oily texture.  Excellent length of … Read More

17 October 2011 Central Riesling & Pinot Shine at International Show

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Last week, for the first time in history a New Zealand riesling won the London-based International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Trophy for Single Vineyard White.  The wine in question was the Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007 ($35) and now I’m itching to try it myself.  This is a phenomenal international achievement for … Read More