Manuka Gold Honey Liqueur

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Manuka Gold Honey Liqueur $46  Created using my favourite type of honey, Blue Borage and fortified using grape brandy, manuka honey and some other secret ingredients this is my new favourite sweet treat.  I could harp on about the health benefits of honey (as each bottle contains over 40%) but it’s totally the taste which … Read More

Rippon Tinkers Field Pinot Noir 2009

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Rippon ‘Tinkers Field’ Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2009 $95  Yes, you are right, it is that price.  But I guarantee if you try this you’ll quickly realize that the last thing you spent ninety dollars on didn’t give you half the satisfaction as just one sip of the Tinkers Field.  Biodynamically produced from one of … Read More

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Terrace Edge Waipara Riesling 2010 $18  Wow! Delicious jazz apple aromas and a super-tangy melange of apple crumble, pear and squinty quince flavours burst open in the mouth.  I really like the crispness and elegant length of flavour in this wine too; plus it’s just fantastic with slivers of parmesan cheese dipped in liquid honey.  … Read More

1 August 2011 Snow mean feat…

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Maybe it was the heaving blue swell of the Kaikoura coast to catch up with family after being housebound in Christchurch for the last six months.  Or it could have been gathering around the kitchen bench making plans to see baby seals, grown-up seals and touristy, historic whatnot.  It may also have something to do … Read More

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

24 July 2011By Yvonne

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $25  A lip-smackingly lovely sauvignon which oozes fresh passionfruit, lemon verbena, passionfruit, grass clippings and fresh basil aromas and tangy, tropical, old-school ‘Jungle Juice’ flavours which make it a fantastic match with steamed mussels slathered in garlic and parsley cream.  For more info visit www.nautilusestate.com    

Food Matching Mistakes and Space Age Wines

22 July 2011By Yvonne

When it comes to food and wine matching, my less-than-lithe figure can testify to years of experience, happily most of it good.  Like the incredible, tongue-melting experience that was the John Forrest Collection Marlborough Chardonnay 2006 and seared scallops straight from the Sounds; or the wordless wonder that is a disc of foie gras atop … Read More

Hallertau Statesman Pale Ale 330ml

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Hallertau Statesman Pale Ale 330ml $8 Gorgeous toffee gold colour, persistent creamy foam and boasts lovely aromas of citrus peel and spicy malt followed by clean, crisp flavours that are deliciously dry and tangy.  There’s even a sniff of smoke and caramel on the finish.  For stockists visit www.hallertau.co.nz 

Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009 $59  Lifted plum, prune, dried herbs, cedar and exotic smokey notes open the door to a burst of blackberry, pepper, juicy red liquorice and tangy earthy flavours in  the mouth.  I love cabernet franc, and this example really makes a massive impression with delicious presence and solid length … Read More

Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009 $58   Yes it’s pricey but it’s oh so nicey!  Mandarin and tangelo notes with classic apricot kernel and cheek-tingling texture and orange oil unctuosity.  Delicious stuff from one of this country’s viognier pioneers, plus it’s organic and biodynamically produced so no doubt you’ll have … Read More

Tui Blond ‘Vortex’ 330ml

20 July 2011By Yvonne

Tui Blond Continental Lager 330ml $18 per 12pk. Clearly winning ‘Best New Zealand Premium Lager’ at the 2010 BrewNZ Awards then Gold at the Monde Selection awards in Belgium this year wasn’t enough because the Tui folk felt it needed some appearance medicine.  Initially sceptical of the new ‘vortex’ longneck, I had to admit that … Read More