Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011 $25  If you’re after an ultra-smooth, ripe and ready red then this will definitely spin your wheels. Soft plummy aromas with hints of cocoa and dried herbs, there’s a splash of blackberry and a warming, beefy finish.   www.heronsflight.co.nz  

Ti Point Matriarch Matakana Syrah 2010

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Ti Point ‘Matriarch’ Matakana Syrah 2010 $45  Perfumed and peppery, this wine is both muscular and meat yet feminine and frisky and just like the woman it’s named after I’ll bet it’ll become more beautiful with age.  Different layers of flavour unfurl with every minute it’s in the glass – so take your time to … Read More

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle Rosé NV

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle Rosé NV $35  Gorgeous trout-pink colour with vibrant cherry blossom, strawberry shortcake and toasted bagel aromas.  Clean and elegant, it boasts seductive spritz, textural complexity and impressively rich length of flavour.  Made from 100% Bendigo pinot noir, this is a sensational example.  More please! Available from fine wine stores or … Read More

Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $50  This wine is glossy with incredibly dense colour and gorgeous aromas of mint, violet, hints of leather and black fruit.  In the mouth it is warming, plush, gamey and elegantly structured.  The tannins have a gentle yet solid grip and add a lovely textural layer to … Read More

3 November 2011 Either Hugo or I go…

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Either Hugo or I go… One of Australia’s most famous brands has had a major makeover.  Not only has it given its label a bit of nip-and-tuck and indulged in an expensive set of extensions; it’s also visited the local council chambers, filled out the forms and instigated a name change.  First launched in 1980 … Read More

Olssen’s Vineyard Sold – announcement just in

13 October 2011By Yvonne

Hello Yvonne It is with mixed feelings that after 22 years in the business John and I have found a great set of future custodians for the special vineyard that is Olssens.  By planting on the now famous Felton Road we became wine making pioneers of the Bannockburn region and the Cromwell basin. We had a vision of creating … Read More

Overstone Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2009

11 October 2011By Yvonne

Overstone Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2009 $7.99  For less than ten bucks this is a cracker.  Aromas of white peach, toasted nuts lead to juicy, peach notes on the palate.  Fresh acidity means it also has a lot of life in it yet.  Available from www.blackmarket.co.nz

Escarpment Pahi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009

11 October 2011By Yvonne

Escarpment ‘Pahi’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2009 $65  This is one of a select five limited-edition; site-specific wines produced by Lord Larry McPinot and it’s a monster.  Sexy cherry and intense dark chocolate merge with shitake mushroom and delicious dried herb notes. Despite packing a punch in the mouth the tannins are silken, lush and lovely … Read More

Matariki Quintology 2007

11 October 2011By Yvonne

Matariki Quintology 2007 $80  One of New Zealand’s iconic red wines, this example of Gimblett Gravels gorgeousness is only released when the fruit is exceptional. A vintage-dependent blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec, this version bursts with complex dried herbs, exotic spices dusted over juicy, ripe plum and dense berryfruit.  I … Read More

Wynns Wines and Hard Rock Shiraz

11 October 2011By Yvonne

Wynns has been around since the dawn of the dingoes and Kiwi’s have long been huge fans.  When I asked around my local traps (the school mums, supermarket checkout ladies, the lotto man, the rural post driver, the plumber and the sparky), about the first red wines they ever tried, this reliable, cuddly Coonawarra brand … Read More