New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit looks a bit like an underground reef, and it sits directly below Quartz Reef’s vineyards in the sub-region of Bendigo. This biodynamically-grown, classically-styled fizz is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay sourced from both Bendigo and a small patch of vines in Gibbston and it’s one of the … Read More
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Pask Declaration Hawke’s Bay Methode Traditionelle 2009 $40 (4.5 stars)
One of things I love about Kate Radburnd and her team at Pask, is that they are great keepers of secrets. Who knew they’d been sitting on an absolutely stunning sparkling wine for 8 years! Just released, this classically crafted blend of chardonnay and pinot noir has a deliciously finely-tuned texture in the mouth, soft … Read More
Kumeu River Kumeu Crémant NV $50 (4 star)
For aeons, Michael Brajkovich MW has turned out tasty pinot noir and jawdroppingly good chardonnay at every level. So it was only a matter of time before he opted to marry the two under holy methode traditionelle matrimony. A base of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir were handpicked, whole bunch pressed and fermented with … Read More
Champagne Marion Bosser Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc NV $60
Enjoyed by First Class passengers on British Airways, and recent winner of the Chairman’s Trophy at the ‘Ultimate Wine Challenge’ in NYC, this jaw-slackingly sensational champagne from a tiny vineyard in Hautvillers (home of Dom Perignon) is made by all-female team of Bernadette Marion-Bosser (who rebuilt the brand back in 1994) and her young daughter … Read More
Fontanafredda Le Fronde Moscato d’Asti 2013 $35
At just 5% alcohol, this is a super-light, super-sweet little sip that’ll perk up even the most jaded tastebuds. Forget any past experiences with bad old, mass-produced Asti because this is the genuine article. Pure, uncut awesomeness. With a deliciously delicate, creamy mousse, lifted, musky apricot and honeysuckle flavours and a long, spritzy finish – … Read More
Matahiwi Estate Hawke’s Bay Blanc de Blanc NV $22
I love the melon and nectarine notes and the deliciously fine bubbles. Lemon and peach flavours ooz through to something deliciously dry and fruity – it’s a nicely structured sparkling wine crafted by Jane Cooper and her team at Matahiwi Estate. It’s a sip that hits the spot in every way and has ‘celebration’ written … Read More
Hãhã Brut Cuvee NV $22
Brand new on the market, this fresh and fashionable fizz has lovely lemon-shortbread, macadamia nut and peach brioche characters, alongside a long, lean and ultra-crunchy finish. Sip with: Salmon blinis www.advintage.co.nz
Saint Clair ‘Dawn’ Methode Traditionelle 2012 $49
Neil Ibbotson had wanted to make a classic sparkling wine ever since he first grew grapes back in 1978. However in 2012, when his mum Dawn was about to turn 100, the decision was made to finally do it. The result is a biscuity, bottled version of its namesake. Vibrant, slightly nutty and packed with … Read More
Fontanafredda Asti DOCG NV $29 ★★★½
With its pillowy mousse, sweet, musky, candied aromas edged with spice and lemon; it’s a tropical treat from Italy that’ll have your mouth watering in no time. A positively demure 7% alc means you can treat yourself to a couple of glasses over lunch without being sent sideways. Sip with: Pear, blue cheese, candied walnut … Read More
Rock Ferry Brut Non-Vintage Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Rock Ferry Brut Non-Vintage Chardonnay Pinot Noir $35 Made from organic vineyards owned by the Hutchison family, this blend of 60% Marlborough chardonnay and 40% Central Otago pinot noir is a rich, nutty, citrus-edged sparkling that has beautiful, biscuity complexity on the finish. Fine and elegantly structured, it’s a magic méthode that tastes as it … Read More