Tukipo River Estate Fat Snapper Chardonnay 2010 $20 A collective ‘Oh wow!’ rose from the table as soon as my guests started sipping this new Central Hawke’s Bay chardonnay. With incredibly concentrated guava, peach, grapefruit and pineapple aromas combined with elegant acidity, power, freshness and vitality on the finish it’s sensational stuff for the price. … Read More
Author: Yvonne
Invercargill Brewery Men’n Skuurts Scottish Ale
Invercargill Brewery ‘Men’N Skurrts’ Scottish Ale 330ml $6 This gutsy, malty, frothy-headed Scotch ale tips its hat to Invercargill’s pioneering forefathers with a splash of peat smoke. It’s a solid, Southland beer that’ll warm the cockles and shiver your timbers – but only for a limited time. Visit www.invercargillbrewery.co.nz for how and where to buy. Invercargill Brewery’s … Read More
Redwood Cellars
Redwood Cellars Mulled Wine $16 If you’re not inclined to slave over a hot stove when it comes to creating this classic winter warmer, then this is the just the ticket. Scented with ripe, plummy fruit and hot cross bun spices; it’s a tangy, sweet, juicy microwaveable treat. A steaming mug whilst watching the campfire … Read More
11th July 2011 All Lost in the Supermarket
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
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
Mount Riley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Passionfruit curd, lime, preserved lemon aromas and in the mouth it is herbaceous and crisp but a little hollow in the mid-palate. 3 stars $18
Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
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
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
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
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!