How has your week been? Not too traumatic I hope. Sadly, I’ve suffered a fate in the last few days that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I’ve been found by Readers Digest. Only two years ago I celebrated finally being rid of those constant “Authorised Prize Guarantee” and pushy “Sweepstakes Chances” letters, but … Read More
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Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010
Duck Creek ‘The Messenger’ Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc 2010 $85 Who says the Gimblett Gravels and Waiheke Island are the be all and end all of great kiwi Bordeaux-style reds? This is a stunning example from the Stillwater area just north of Auckland near the Whangaparoa Peninsula and it’s a muscular, multilayered wine with leathery, … Read More
Thirsty Work Series 1 Teaser
Dish Magazine Pilsner Tasting
Hello, I’m delighted to announce that following on from Dish magazine’s inaugural Panel Tasting of Pinot Noirs in our current June-July issue, our next Panel Tasting is to focus on New Zealand Pilsners. (Because we love beer too!) You are invited to submit your brewery’s Pilsner to be part of the blind competition-style panel tasting, … Read More
Mediterranean Mecca
Mediterranean Mecca view pdf of newspaper column… Nestled amongst panel beaters, plumbing firms and various other trade-oriented whatnot down the industrialised end of Tuam Street in Christchurch is a veritable oasis for anyone yearning for a Mediterranean wine and food fix. The wine shelves at Mediterranean Foods are almost back to their bulging best following … Read More
Is Purple Death the worst wine in the world?
There’s a bit of a survey making the rounds of the Twittersphere asking if Purple Death might be the worst wine ever made. I think that’s a tad harsh. Back when I was a teenager and it was the only thing I could afford that actually had any alcoholic strength; I thought it was pretty … Read More
Aperol Aperitivo
Aperol Aperitivo ($35) 700ml. Produced in Padova by the Barbieri Brothers, Aperol is the number one selling spirit in Italy. It’s basically a low-alcohol aperitif which has a gorgeous, bittersweet taste of orange oil, mandarin peel and exotic spices. I have no idea how it’s made because the recipe is a secret, but at 11% … Read More
Waipara? Why Not!
Waipara’s where your wildest dreams come true… Fourty minutes drive north of Christchurch central and you’re in Waipara, which is (after an incredibly generous spring) an absolutely stunning looking, heaving mass of lush, green grapevines. Until relocating to Canterbury back in January, I’m embarrassed to say that I’d only ever visited the region once; even … Read More
Yellow Tail Moscato NV
Yellow Tail Moscato NV $11 A burst of white-flesh nectarine, yellow plum and spritzy, tangy tropical tastiness is what you’ll get in each glass. Sure it’s sweet, but it’s also very clean and crisp and at a rather bashful 7.5% alcohol it’ll also help you keep your keel even during those long, summer lunches. Widely … Read More
Ti Point Matriarch Matakana Syrah 2010
Ti Point ‘Matriarch’ Matakana Syrah 2010 $45 Perfumed and peppery, this wine is both muscular and meat yet feminine and frisky and just like the woman it’s named after I’ll bet it’ll become more beautiful with age. Different layers of flavour unfurl with every minute it’s in the glass – so take your time to … Read More