Gritty kiwi winemaking doco gives a few giggles

29 September 2011By Yvonne

It’s called Passion and Patience, it’s a no-frills account of what’s involved in growing grapes, making wine and trying to make a dollar along the way.  Don’t expect flashy, slick film making on this dvd – expect an honest account and a few laughs. http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/passion-in-gritty-wine-doco/1117501/  

Greywacke Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010

28 September 2011By Yvonne

Greywacke Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 $26  Half the juice was fermented in older French oak which contributes to the toasty, fig-like notes on the nose and the nectarine stone and spicy pear flavours on the palate.  At 14% alc it’s far from delicate, but if mouthfilling succulence is what you’re after then look no further.  www.greywacke.com … Read More

Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvee NV

28 September 2011By Yvonne

Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvee NV $19 I love its classic coppery-gold colour and the aromas of oatmeal and ANZAC biscuits.  Elegantly spritzy in the mouth with tangy white peach and creamy, toasty characters on the finish it’s a great value bubbles for any occasion.  Widely available.

Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009

28 September 2011By Yvonne

Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009 $40  Inky-dark and packed with concentrated plum, cocoa, sexy spices and lifted dried-herb aromatics.  In the mouth it is luscious, juicy and elegantly flavoursome.  The tannins are solid, present yet beautifully integrated and contribute to stunning length of flavour.  This is a superb wine which is … Read More

Kate Moss, Sailors, Mosel and Ethiopian Wine

28 September 2011By Yvonne

Model Winemaker I had to have a chuckle the other day after I’d tweeted the news that international supermodel Kate Moss had purchased a £130,000 vineyard in France for her new husband Jamie Hince.  Replies included “unless she’s careful the wine will taste thin and lack body”, and cheekily referring to her cigarette habit and … Read More

Lindauer turns 30!

21 September 2011By Yvonne

A birthday for our bubbles… Who’d have thunk it?  Lindauer, the signature fizz of this fair land has turned 30!  Undoubtedly without this classic bubbly there’d be weddings, 21st’s, office shouts, Christmas parties, birthdays and (dare I say it) funerals which would be much less cheery affairs.  So lraise your glass to a brand which … Read More

squawking magpie ‘the stoned crow’ gimblett gravels syrah 2009

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Squawking Magpie ‘The Stoned Crow’ Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2009 $40  Inky-dark and packed with concentrated plum, cocoa, sexy spices and lifted dried-herb aromatics.  In the mouth it is luscious, juicy and elegantly flavoursome.  The tannins are solid, present yet beautifully integrated and contribute to stunning length of flavour.  This is a superb wine which is … Read More

Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Scoops 5 Nations Trophy

21 September 2011By Yvonne

A partnership between prestigious Martinborough producer Dry River and pioneering Gimblett Gravels winery Te Awa in Hawke’s Bay, has beaten an esteemed field from South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Chile and New Zealand to take the hotly contested Five Nations Challenge Red Wine of the Show Trophy.    The Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($55) was … Read More

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Cypress Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2010 $21  Lifted spicy plum, raspberry and deep cherry and cocoa aromatics followed by a lovely chocolate, smoke character on the finish, this is a fantastic, fresh, beautifully balanced red that will definitely impress.  I think it’ll cellar well for another 4-5 years if you’re disciplined enough.  www.cypress.co.nz   Cypress Hawke’s Bay … Read More

Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007 $60  I’ve been waiting for a 100% Grenache from Hawke’s Bay since forever!  Heady roasting pan juices, rosemary and dusty, earthy aromas lead the way to spicy plum, mace and amazingly silky, earthy, blackberry and cherry smoke.  It’s a muscular, meaty wine – and is just sensational with … Read More