11th July 2011 All Lost in the Supermarket

11 July 2011By Yvonne

Even if you’re only drinking the occasional glass of wine with dinner, the acidity and tannins will play havoc with your enamel. However in my job, where I’m tasting a couple of dozen wines a week (or up to a hundred wines a day if I’m judging), it’s like I’ve declared all-out war on my … Read More

4 July 2010 – Vegan Vegetarian Vino

4 July 2011By Yvonne

If you’re of the vegan persuasion then you’ll be chuffed to know that Blackenbrook Wines, in Tasman Bay near Nelson will be printing ‘vegan wine’ on all their white wines from the 2011 vintage.  The demand for vegan wines is on the increase according to Duncan Gillespie of Wellington’s Regional Wines & Spirits. “It’s following … Read More

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

3 July 2011By Yvonne

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $21 * * * ½ Dried herbs, ripe plum, sweet cocoa, wild mint and a vein of smoky, cedary, spiciness will wash across your tastebuds as soon as you sip this gutsy red.  The acidity is fresh and the tannins quite chewy, which bodes well for those of … Read More

Kate Radburnd Sun Kissed Pinot Gris 2010

3 July 2011By Yvonne

Kate Radburnd Sun Kissed Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2010 $18 * * * ½ A delicious aromatic combination of quince and spiced custard apple and in the mouth it’s tropical yet dry and textural with an edge of peachy complexity on the finish. Superb with stir-fried garlic prawns on Vietnamese salad. www.kateradburnd.co.nz  

Fromm Vineyard La Strada Marlborough Chardonnay

3 July 2011By Yvonne

Fromm Vineyard La Strada Marlborough Chardonnay 2008 $32 * * * * * A delicious aromatic combination of custard squares brandy snaps and tropical brulée notes. In the mouth it has incredible freshness and weight with an edge of hazelnutty complexity on the back palate. A stunning, lengthy finish makes it chardonnay perfection.www.frommwinery.co.nz  

Thirsty Work Teaser

10 June 2011By Yvonne

A tiki tour around New Zealand to meet the hard-working and occasionally slightly mad characters that are responsible for the drinks that I love so much. Its thirsty work, but some-one’s gotta do it!

Fair suck of the sav’ mate!

9 June 2011By Yvonne

New Zealand wines banned from entering leading Australian wine shows… In a case of fair suck of the sav’, some of New Zealand’s leading wineries have been refused permission to enter their wines in the upcoming Royal Hobart Wine Show according to an article written by Giles Hine of www.tizwine.com. Royal Hobart’s reason for their … Read More

Black Barn Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc

7 June 2011By Yvonne

Black Barn Tukituki Sauvignon Blanc 2009 $25 * * * Lengthy, lean and scented with soft green herbs and lime on the nose, this Hawke’s Bay sauvignonis bone dry and has impressive minerality which makes for an elegant, ultimately drinkable drop. www.blackbarn.com  

Alpha Domus The Navigator

7 June 2011By Yvonne

Alpha Domus The Navigator 2004 $25 ***** The fact that this wine is only $25 a bottle astounds me. It is one of Hawkes Bay’s most popular Bordeaux blends and after one sip it’s glaringly obvious as to why. It’s almost a crime to have this wine shut away in a bottle – there should … Read More