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

14 November 2011 Wine Guide’s 20th Anniversary & New Winery on the Wairau

16 November 2011By Yvonne

It’s been called ‘the absolute bible of New Zealand wines’ and ‘totally indispensable’ by critics and consumers alike, and over the last 20 years I’ve watched Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines grow from a dainty, pocket-sized paperback to a tome so heavy SAS troops are made to complete torturous 10km training runs with volumes … Read More

Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime Cider

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime Cider 500ml 4% $6.50 This Swedish cider was launched ten years ago by the 155 year old Åbro Bryggeri Brewery in Vimmerby.  It’s a combination I’d never considered for cider and despite it being very sweet and strawberryish initially, the lime kicks in quickly and injects a tangy, cleansing citrus burst … Read More

Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Sauvignon Cabernet 2011

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Jacob’s Creek Cool Harvest Sauvignon Cabernet 2011 $17  No I haven’t got the name of the grape back-to-front, this new release is a blend of 70% sauvignon blanc, 25% cabernet sauvignon and a splash of shiraz.  It’s a crazy blend, sort of like a rose on steroids meaning its dark crimson, dense, dry, spicy and … Read More

Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2010

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Greywacke Marlborough Riesling 2010 $26  Scented with sweet apricot, apple, kiwi and marshmallow notes, yet in the mouth new layers of white peach, granny smith and nectarine stone unfurl on the tongue.  Beautifully balanced and fresh, and definitely one that will reward patient cellaring.  www.greywacke.com

Belhaven ‘Wee Heavy’ Scottish Ale 500ml

15 November 2011By Yvonne

Belhaven Wee Heavy Scottish Ale 500ml 6.5% $8 Saucy ruby-amber in the glass with enduring, creamy head, and sweet caramel aromas followed by a silky, smoky mouthfeel and a rich, rewarding finish.  Available from selected supermarkets and liquor outlets, otherwise visitwww.federalgeo.co.nz for a stockist near you.