NO SLEEP TIL BLENHEIM

4 April 2013By Yvonne

If you’re planning to spend any time in a hotel on either of Blenheim’s main strip over the next few weeks then take it from me, you’ll need to pack a set of industrial-strength earplugs and renew your sleeping pill prescription.  Why?  Because it’s harvest time and every truck this side of the black stump … Read More

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Merlot 2010

24 September 2012By Yvonne

Saint Clair Marlborough Premium Merlot 2010 $21 ★★★½ This has such a gorgeous aroma, boysenberry, plum with a waft of espresso – while in the mouth it is ripe, juicy and very very drinkable.  Merlot from Marlborough is looking rather marvelous indeed!  www.saintclair.co.nz  

Sauvignon Fans Ahoy!

24 September 2012By Yvonne

If you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last week or so would you have missed the news that The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2011 by Marisco Vineyards won the International Trophy for ‘Best in Show Sauvignon Blanc Under £10’ at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London.  This is good news for two reasons, … Read More

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011

24 July 2012By Yvonne

Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 $26  Incredibly rich, bright, vibrantly fruited with wild strawberry, cherry and exotic spices.  It’s a sensational pinot for the price and boasts lovely complexity and luscious length of flavour.  www.saintclair.co.nz

Incognito Prestige Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2011

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Incognito Prestige Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15  This is a definite new favourite for me – aromas of freshly chopped herbs, fennel, lime and pineapple lead to a juicy, flavoursome palate that’s tangy but not tart and has layers of concentrated citrus all the way through to the finish.  An absolute steal and it’s available … Read More

Riverby Estate Marlborough Syrah 2011

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Riverby Estate Marlborough Syrah 2011 $27  These syrah grapes have been in the ground for 20 years, making them some of the earliest planted in the Marlborough region.  Boysenberry, black cherry and soft spices ooze through on the nose and it’s a very gentle, warming, comfortably textural wine with slippery-soft tannins.  www.riverbyestate.com 

Riverby Estate Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2011

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Riverby Estate Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2011 $35  Deeply golden colour with hints of musky, dusty notes underneath the honeyed, toffee-like aromas.  There are lovely sweet marmalade and peach concentrate flavours on the finish which has good, solid length.  www.riverbyestate.com

Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2011

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Riverby Estate Marlborough Noble Riesling 2011 $35 375ml  Golden and brassy and wow what an incredible wine!  Delicious rose-toffee, caramelised peach, marmalade, and tangy, tantalising, ultra-sexy flavours – can’t fault it, more please!!  Buy from www.riverbyestate.com

Riverby Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Riverby Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 $28  Soft strawberry and cherry notes on the nose and in the mouth the fruit is very gentle to the point of being perhaps a touch subdued.  It’s a pleasant pinot, very easy to drink and one that will be great for those new to the style, but I … Read More

Riverby Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2010

23 July 2012By Yvonne

Riverby Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2010 $25  A really nice, nectarine-laden chardonnay with attractive stonefruit, grapefruit pith and toasty flavours to top off a lovely, lean, textural mouthfeel.  Just the thing for a bowl of salt and pepper squid.  www.riverbyestate.com