Brad Tiller and his dog, Rhombus. It was a Wednesday, what was I thinking? “Come out for dinner with us,” said my friend Michael. “Brad Tiller from Isabel Vineyard is bringing a bunch of his wines over and the team at Cook ‘n’ With Gas on Worcester Boulevard has designed a menu to match. It’ll … Read More
marlborough
New Sauvignon Sensations
Last August was the 40th anniversary of the very first grape vines to be planted in Marlborough’s Brancott Valley. More than 1100ha were planted (by hand and by the sight of a rifle to ensure straight rows) in a smorgasbord of varieties, including riesling sylvaner, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and one nobody had really heard … Read More
NO SLEEP TIL BLENHEIM
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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