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
Author: Yvonne
Wynns Wines and Hard Rock Shiraz
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
Gritty kiwi winemaking doco gives a few giggles
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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