Emerson’s Limited Edition Southern Clam Stout

14 August 2011By Yvonne

Emerson’s Limited Edition Southern Clam Stout 6% 500ml $9 I’ve tasted oyster stouts but never a clam stout, this one however is dark and inky with a foamy, coffee-creme coloured head.  On the nose it’s distinctly marmitey with a hint of dried kelp and salty seafood notes.  In the mouth it’s intense, with charred, iodine-like … Read More

Green Man Organic Tequila Beer

14 August 2011By Yvonne

Green Man Organic Tequila Beer 5.6% $8 500ml I’m not usually a huge fan of ‘flavour infused’ beers but this example actually spun my wheels.  Cloudy with a pale, foamy head and a clean, distinctive aroma of lime and tequila which adds a element of gringo to an already crisp, flavoursome lager.  Definitely the right … Read More

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15  Finally!! The first batch of sauvignon’s from this years harvest are hitting the shelves and so far the ones I’ve tried are breathtakingly good.  Take this one from Villa, it’s all passionfruit sorbet and preserved lemon aromas followed by a burst of fresh lime and green … Read More

Hallertau Deception Luxe Schwarzbier

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Hallertau Deception Luxe Schwarzbier 330ml $4.50 Sexy golden syrup colour and oozes smoky, charred characters interwoven with espresso and bitter cocoa notes.  It has a refreshing finish despite its smouldering nature and provides the perfect partner with smoked lamb rumps dusted with pepper and thyme.  To buy direct email Stephen@hallertau.co.nz or try your luck at www.glengarry.co.nz  

Manuka Gold Honey Liqueur

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Manuka Gold Honey Liqueur $46  Created using my favourite type of honey, Blue Borage and fortified using grape brandy, manuka honey and some other secret ingredients this is my new favourite sweet treat.  I could harp on about the health benefits of honey (as each bottle contains over 40%) but it’s totally the taste which … Read More

Rippon Tinkers Field Pinot Noir 2009

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Rippon ‘Tinkers Field’ Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2009 $95  Yes, you are right, it is that price.  But I guarantee if you try this you’ll quickly realize that the last thing you spent ninety dollars on didn’t give you half the satisfaction as just one sip of the Tinkers Field.  Biodynamically produced from one of … Read More

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $18  Wow! Delicious jazz apple aromas and a super-tangy melange of apple crumble, pear and squinty quince flavours burst open in the mouth.  I really like the crispness and elegant length of flavour in this wine too; plus it’s just fantastic with slivers of parmesan cheese dipped in liquid honey.  … Read More

1 August 2011 Snow mean feat…

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Maybe it was the heaving blue swell of the Kaikoura coast to catch up with family after being housebound in Christchurch for the last six months.  Or it could have been gathering around the kitchen bench making plans to see baby seals, grown-up seals and touristy, historic whatnot.  It may also have something to do … Read More

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

24 July 2011By Yvonne

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $25  A lip-smackingly lovely sauvignon which oozes fresh passionfruit, lemon verbena, passionfruit, grass clippings and fresh basil aromas and tangy, tropical, old-school ‘Jungle Juice’ flavours which make it a fantastic match with steamed mussels slathered in garlic and parsley cream.  For more info visit www.nautilusestate.com    

Food Matching Mistakes and Space Age Wines

22 July 2011By Yvonne

When it comes to food and wine matching, my less-than-lithe figure can testify to years of experience, happily most of it good.  Like the incredible, tongue-melting experience that was the John Forrest Collection Marlborough Chardonnay 2006 and seared scallops straight from the Sounds; or the wordless wonder that is a disc of foie gras atop … Read More