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
Columns
31 October 2011 Fishing for ideas…
Fishing for ideas… My husband can’t catch a fish. Ever since we moved to Christchurch from Hawke’s Bay ten months ago he has gone from being an absolute ninja warrior fisherman on river, lake or ocean – to someone who can’t catch a bite to save himself. I say ninja warrior because anyone familiar with … Read More
24 October 2011 Sauvignon Lighten’s Up…
Sauvignon Lightens Up Alcohol isn’t everything. I wish someone had told me that when I was eighteen and making an idiot of myself. But back then there wasn’t much in the way of choice, it was all or nothing. Although they contained less alcohol, more than two beers made my stomach churn, I didn’t really … Read More
17 October 2011 Central Riesling & Pinot Shine at International Show
Last week, for the first time in history a New Zealand riesling won the London-based International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Trophy for Single Vineyard White. The wine in question was the Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007 ($35) and now I’m itching to try it myself. This is a phenomenal international achievement for … Read More
3 October 2011 Nelson First Fifteen
“Oh cool – what are you killing Dad?” my nine year old son craned his neck to see my husband drowning a white tail spider in a flood of Black Flag. “It was a big bugger son” said my husband as he flicked it out the window, “it almost crawled into your shoe”. “Should have … Read More
3 November 2011 Either Hugo or I go…
Either Hugo or I go… One of Australia’s most famous brands has had a major makeover. Not only has it given its label a bit of nip-and-tuck and indulged in an expensive set of extensions; it’s also visited the local council chambers, filled out the forms and instigated a name change. First launched in 1980 … Read More
Olssen’s Vineyard Sold – announcement just in
Hello Yvonne It is with mixed feelings that after 22 years in the business John and I have found a great set of future custodians for the special vineyard that is Olssens. By planting on the now famous Felton Road we became wine making pioneers of the Bannockburn region and the Cromwell basin. We had a vision of creating … Read More
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/
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