17 October 2011 Central Riesling & Pinot Shine at International Show

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Last week, for the first time in history a New Zealand riesling won the London-based International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) Trophy for Single Vineyard White.  The wine in question was the Two Sisters Vineyard Central Otago Riesling 2007 ($35) and now I’m itching to try it myself.  This is a phenomenal international achievement for … Read More

Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Grenache 2007 $60  I’ve been waiting for a 100% Grenache from Hawke’s Bay since forever!  Heady roasting pan juices, rosemary and dusty, earthy aromas lead the way to spicy plum, mace and amazingly silky, earthy, blackberry and cherry smoke.  It’s a muscular, meaty wine – and is just sensational with … Read More

19th September 2011 Wine Awards Season

21 September 2011By Yvonne

Wah-hoo!  It’s Wine Awards Season!  There’s no doubt about it, we are in the thick of wine awards season.  Medal announcements are flying around the media faster than a Sonny Bill shirt-swap pic on Facebook. I’ve lost count of how many press releases I’ve seen just in the last few days announcing trophies here, gold … Read More

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

13 August 2011By Yvonne

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15  Finally!! The first batch of sauvignon’s from this years harvest are hitting the shelves and so far the ones I’ve tried are breathtakingly good.  Take this one from Villa, it’s all passionfruit sorbet and preserved lemon aromas followed by a burst of fresh lime and green … Read More