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
Yvonne’s Blog
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
Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Scoops 5 Nations Trophy
A partnership between prestigious Martinborough producer Dry River and pioneering Gimblett Gravels winery Te Awa in Hawke’s Bay, has beaten an esteemed field from South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Chile and New Zealand to take the hotly contested Five Nations Challenge Red Wine of the Show Trophy. The Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($55) was … Read More
September 3 2011 Alpha Domus Aviator Reaches New Heights
“Having our winery right in the middle of the vineyard is the best thing for me as a winemaker” says Kate Galloway of Hawke’s Bay’s Alpha Domus wines. “I love being able to walk outside directly into any of our vineyard blocks to check on how the fruit is tasting. I definitely think this is … Read More
NZ International Wine Show 2011
Righto…8.44am and I’m about to head into the second day of judging at the NZIWS at North Harbour Stadium. 80 Pinot Noir and 60 Shiraz await my team – Jane Skilton MW, Michael Ivecevich and Damian Fisher. Sorry teeth, but it’s gonna be a big one.
Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $25 A lip-smackingly lovely sauvignon which oozes fresh passionfruit, lemon verbena, passionfruit, grass clippings and fresh basil aromas and tangy, tropical, old-school ‘Jungle Juice’ flavours which make it a fantastic match with steamed mussels slathered in garlic and parsley cream. For more info visit www.nautilusestate.com
Food Matching Mistakes and Space Age Wines
When it comes to food and wine matching, my less-than-lithe figure can testify to years of experience, happily most of it good. Like the incredible, tongue-melting experience that was the John Forrest Collection Marlborough Chardonnay 2006 and seared scallops straight from the Sounds; or the wordless wonder that is a disc of foie gras atop … Read More