Waipara? Why Not!

16 December 2011By Yvonne

Waipara’s where your wildest dreams come true… Fourty minutes drive north of Christchurch central and you’re in Waipara, which is (after an incredibly generous spring) an absolutely stunning looking, heaving mass of lush, green grapevines.  Until relocating to Canterbury back in January, I’m embarrassed to say that I’d only ever visited the region once; even … Read More

Black Estate Omihi Series Chardonnay 2010

12 December 2011By Yvonne

Black Estate Omihi Series Waipara Chardonnay 2010 $31  If this is the standard of chardonnay Waipara is capable of then that makes me a very excited girl indeed.   I love the way it smells like fresh peach and pineapple spread on a buttered crumpet.  In the mouth it’s vibrant, concentrated and creamy, with silky … Read More

Tukipo River Estate Fat Duck Pinot Noir 2009

28 November 2011By Yvonne

Tukipo River Estate Fat Duck Pinot Noir 2009 $48  In a word, jaw-dropping.  Roland Norman has created a wine exotically perfumed with cherrywood smoke, hedgerow fruits, lush, forest leaf litter and japonica.  I love the wild strawberry and rhubarb flavours and its silky, slippery mouthfeel.  It’s an absolutely sensational example and one I desperately wish … Read More

Babich Hawke’s Bay Irongate Chardonnay 2008

24 November 2011By Yvonne

Babich Hawke’s Bay Irongate Chardonnay 2008  $35 “Babich’s flagship Chardonnay is a power-packed whopper of a wine bursting with juicy peach and grapefruit flavours while showing taut acidity, elegant oak and sublime, mouthfilling, textural length of flavour.  I’m certain it will cellar comfortably until 2014 and it’s a no-brainer as to how this came to … Read More

Register for Burgundy Tasting at Pinot Celebration 2012

22 November 2011By Yvonne

BURGUNDY TASTING TO EXPLORE THE ‘CRU’ QUESTION Pinot Noir – that wonderful heady variety generates such passion in people – it inevitably leads to posing more questions than it does answers. The 2012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration – being held in Queenstown 26-28th January not only includes tastings of Central Otago pinot noir, Winery … Read More

Kim Crawford First Pick Lo-Cal Sauvignon Blanc 2011

16 November 2011By Yvonne

Kim Crawford First Pick Lo-Cal Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $17  I can see this being a sure-fire hit for summer with its delicate aromas of white peach, elderflower and soft citrus.  At only 9% alc and with 25% less calories than it’s classic First Pick cousin it’s extremely crisp, clean and lightweight but has a delicious … Read More

te Pa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

16 November 2011By Yvonne

te Pā Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $19  This debut sauvignon from the MacDonald family is a little cracker.  Aromatic green herbs and soft, limey notes are punctured by passionfruit and followed by grassy, tangy tropical fruit and lingering minerality on the finish.  Fabulous with steamed Cloudy Bay clams.  For where to buy email scott@tepawines.com te Pa … Read More

Yealands Marlborough Pinot Noir Rose 2011

16 November 2011By Yvonne

Yealands Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2011 $19  Soft strawberry and redcurrant aromas open the door to a crisp, rhubarb-like tang on the tongue and a long, slightly herbaceous finish.  Available from www.yealands.com Yealands Pinot Noir Rose 2011

Naturale Skor Premium Lager

16 November 2011By Yvonne

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

Amisfield Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2011

16 November 2011By Yvonne

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