“Oh that’s such a cruisy job – wanna swap?” is something I hear regularly when I meet someone new and they find out what I do for a living. They must think it’s all just wine tasting day in day out, making a telly show and going to the occasional flash party. They don’t see … Read More
Positive Chi For Your Tastebuds
One thing I’ve learned is to never drink wine whilst watching Embarrassing Bodies followed by Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. There’s nothing like an unsightly pus-filled lump followed by another, well, slightly worse tempered, foul mouthed, pus-filled lump to put my palate up the Khyber. For me, environment is everything. I’m no frilly hippy and I’m no … Read More
TOP NEW FOOD TV SHOWS FOR JANUARY
TOP NEW FOOD TV SHOWS FOR JANUARY FOOD TRIP WITH TODD ENGLISH TUESDAY 12.00PM, 4.00PM, 8.00PM on 1ST JANUARY In Food Trip with Todd English, the master chef, author and restaurateur again brings his talent and taste for reinventing traditional cooking to the screen. During his travels at home and abroad, Todd explores a different dish or … Read More
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2011
Richmond Plains Nelson Chardonnay 2011 $19 ★★★½ This smells like a peach cupcake with grapefruit icing, it’s seriously tangy and tropical with lovely concentration and a seam of toasty oak to wrap up the finish. Delicious with pan-seared scallops topped with toasted almonds. www.richmondplains.co.nz
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial 750ml $70 It’s official. The world’s most famous Champagne house has gone completely doolally but boy is the result delicious. Released in a groovy, white lacquered bottle, the Ice Imperial is rich, golden and definitely on the sweet side of the fence – the total opposite of what we’re used … Read More
Bollinger La Grande Année 2002
Bollinger La Grande Année 2002 $220 An aristocrat amongst champagne houses, this isn’t just a wine; it’s an experience of a lifetime. Only produced in years when the fruit is faultless and of exceptional quality, it glows white gold as it pours into the glass with a pillowy, creamy foam. Exotic aromas of preserved lemon, … Read More
Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer 500ml $5.49 No matter if you’re an ex-pat Brit or just nostalgic for your O.E, you’ll be happy to know one of the UK’s best-loved ginger beer’s is finally available in the antipodes. Created from four secret ingredients (actually three, because one has got to be ginger…) there’s a lovely … Read More
Must’ve happened in a Pask life…
Pask’s got the Power! New life is being injected into the 30 year old CJ Pask brand with the addition of pinot noir from Martinborough and aromatics from Marlborough in a move that has made General Manager and Winemaker Kate Radburnd very happy. “I first met ex-top dressing pilot Chris Pask when he supplied grapes … Read More
Maude Riesling Named Supreme Champion
Maude, Mt Maude Vineyard, East Block Riesling has been awarded the Supreme Champion Wine In Show Trophy at the Avenues International Aromatic Wine Competition, which is celebrating ten years of competition in 2012. Mt Maude is a family-owned vineyard located just outside of Wanaka in Central Otago. The vineyard was created by winemaking couple Sarah-Kate and Dan … Read More
Stonecroft 30th Anniversary Shindig!
An interesting wee invitation popped into my inbox from the lovely Andria Monin from Stonecroft in Hawke’s Bay “We will be celebrating Stonecroft’s 30th anniversary at Labour Weekend. As you know, since we took over at Stonecroft in 2010 we have held an Annual Vintage Sale at Labour Weekend, where we have brought out some … Read More