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
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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
Eden Sparkling NV
Eden Sparkling NV $14.99 or $22 for 2 Pretty, ballet-shoe pink in the glass and created from Moscato grown in Gisborne, this new sparkling has soft berry and citrus aromas, a refreshing, tangy citrus-like sweetness and a crunchy-fresh finish. Fans of Asti-style wines will love it because far from being fizzy lolly-water, the Eden has real … Read More
Bortolotti Prosecco
Bortolotti Prosecco $18 This is a lean, bony, delicate Italian sparkling that you should dive into immediately. It’s a hand made, extra dry example from the Valdobbiadene in the hills north of Treviso and it’s just gorgeous with any recipes involving salty bacon or ham. I love it! Buy from www.mediterraneanfoods.co.nz Bortolotti Prosecco
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV It pours into the glass like a cloud of yellow diamond foam – aromas of cashew, brulee, hints of lemon, peach and a delicate smoky texture with pinprick-fine bead.
Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007
Palliser Estate Martinborough Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $37 With tiny, beaded bubbles, creamy, bouncy foam and beautiful texture, this sparkling has classic breadcrust, biscuit and intrinsically elegant dry citrus flavours which leap out of the glass. Superb with freshly shucked oysters or tender, stir-fried prawns. www.palliser.co.nz Palliser Estate Methode Traditionnelle 2007
Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle
Man O War ‘Tulia’ Blanc de Blanc Methode Traditionnelle $53 Made entirely from chardonnay, I really like the aromas of salty, sea breezes and preserved lemon. In the mouth it is rich, tangy and quite unique. Only the second sparkling I’ve seen from Waiheke Island and signs for the future are solid – hooray! www.manowarvineyards.co.nz Man … Read More
Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV
Mission Estate Fête Hand Harvested Cuvee NV $23 Fête is French for ‘party’ apparently and a splash of pinot gris injects a fruity, tropical, nashi pear note into this wine which will definitely please the crowds. It also has an interesting nutty, textural finish. Following on from the legendary 1963 ‘Fontanella’, the ‘Fête’ was designed … Read More
Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007
Corozo Estate Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Methode Traditionnelle 2007 $22 Exceptional value for money. Elegant. Enduring and absolutely one of the most excellent examples on the market. Aromas of rising dough, lemon mousse and toasted brioche are followed by pinprick acidity, clean, delicate texture and amazingly robust, nutty, mineral notes on the finish. Amazing. For … Read More
Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010
Wright’s Vineyard ‘Entity’ Methode Traditionnelle 2010 $25 Made entirely from chardonnay, this is an organically produced Blanc de Blanc from Gisborne’s Ormond Valley, and if you’re expecting something frilly and feminine – forget it. This fizz reflects the ‘chaos factor’ of family life for Geoff and Nicola Wright as they work hard to maintain their … Read More