Eden Sparkling NV

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Eden Sparkling NV $14.99 or $22 for 2  Pretty, ballet-shoe pink in the glass and created from Moscato grown in Gisborne, this new sparkling has soft berry and citrus aromas, a refreshing, tangy citrus-like sweetness and a crunchy-fresh finish.  Fans of Asti-style wines will love it because far from being fizzy lolly-water, the Eden has real … Read More

Mishas Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2010

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2010 $27  I love the absolute purity of this wine.  White gold in the glass, this sleek and snappy riesling has vibrant floral and citrus notes on the nose followed by vivacious lemon, lime, and honeysuckle flavours which bring your tastebuds to attention immediately.  Winemaker Olly Masters is an expert in creating … Read More

Auburn Wines Bendigo Riesling 2011

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Auburn Wines Bendigo Riesling 2011 $30  With intense minerality and gorgeous honeycomb and lemon aromas it smells so incredibly inviting, followed by a burst of deliciously toasty, nutty richness in the mouth that’s edged with clean, tangy lemon meringue notes.  This wine kept changing in the glass and had real personality and persistence on the finish.  … Read More

Auburn Affair…

20 March 2012By Yvonne

I love the first line on the Auburn Wines website “We grow Riesling. We craft Riesling. We love Riesling. A lot.” A. Because it intrinsically explains why they chose to become New Zealand’s only riesling-exclusive winery, and B. They used the words “A lot” instead of the words “Bigtime”, “Totally” or “Fully” which they easily … Read More

An Escarpment Escapade…

20 March 2012By Yvonne

One of my biggest fears when I first started judging at wine shows was that I’d have to sit next to a famous wine person and be expected to converse in a clever and intellectual manner.  So when Larry McKenna himself sidled up as I stood at the bain marie attempting to grab a greasy … Read More

Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale 500ml $8 Fresh, clean, tangy and hop-driven aromas lead to a racy, malty mouthfeel and hints of bitterness on the finish.  It has interest, personality and length  – great stuff for these late summer afternoons.  www.renaissancebrewing.co.nz Renaissance Discovery American Pale Ale

Green Man Organic Premium Pils

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Green Man Organic Premium Pils 500ml $8 A clean, delicate pilsner with soft, lifted, herbaceous aromatics and a smooth, refreshing finish.  I really like this beer because it’s brilliant with so many different food styles and it’s ultra-long on flavour.  Buy from www.greenmanbrewery.co.nz Green Man Organic Pils

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 DOC $17  If you’re looking for a sharply-priced, crowd-pleasing red that ticks all the boxes then it’s right here.  Plum, chocolate, spice – it’s not a blockbuster but there’s plenty of flavour going on here.  Available from www.labarrique.co.nz Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Bortolotti Prosecco

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Bortolotti Prosecco $18  This is a lean, bony, delicate Italian sparkling that you should dive into immediately.  It’s a hand made, extra dry example from the Valdobbiadene in the hills north of Treviso and it’s just gorgeous with any recipes involving salty bacon or ham.   I love it!  Buy from www.mediterraneanfoods.co.nz Bortolotti Prosecco

Contea de Castiglione Barbaresco 2007

20 March 2012By Yvonne

Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco 2007 $39  I’m loving this super-tasty, earthy, spicy Italian red because it’s a fantastic example of Nebbiolo that’s produced a lush, plummy and ribstickingly good wine.  Available from Decant Wines 03 3431945 Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco