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 [...]

Mishas Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2010

Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2010 $27  I love the absolute purity of this wine.  White gold in the glass, this sleek and snappy riesling has vibrant floral and citrus notes on the nose followed by vivacious lemon, lime, and honeysuckle flavours which bring your tastebuds to attention immediately.  Winemaker Olly Masters is an expert in creating [...]

Auburn Wines Bendigo Riesling 2011

Auburn Wines Bendigo Riesling 2011 $30  With intense minerality and gorgeous honeycomb and lemon aromas it smells so incredibly inviting, followed by a burst of deliciously toasty, nutty richness in the mouth that’s edged with clean, tangy lemon meringue notes.  This wine kept changing in the glass and had real personality and persistence on the finish.  [...]

Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale

Renaissance Brewing Co. American Pale Ale 500ml $8 Fresh, clean, tangy and hop-driven aromas lead to a racy, malty mouthfeel and hints of bitterness on the finish.  It has interest, personality and length  – great stuff for these late summer afternoons.  www.renaissancebrewing.co.nz Renaissance Discovery American Pale Ale

Green Man Organic Premium Pils

Green Man Organic Premium Pils 500ml $8 A clean, delicate pilsner with soft, lifted, herbaceous aromatics and a smooth, refreshing finish.  I really like this beer because it’s brilliant with so many different food styles and it’s ultra-long on flavour.  Buy from www.greenmanbrewery.co.nz Green Man Organic Pils

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009

Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 DOC $17  If you’re looking for a sharply-priced, crowd-pleasing red that ticks all the boxes then it’s right here.  Plum, chocolate, spice – it’s not a blockbuster but there’s plenty of flavour going on here.  Available from www.labarrique.co.nz Codici Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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

Contea de Castiglione Barbaresco 2007

Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco 2007 $39  I’m loving this super-tasty, earthy, spicy Italian red because it’s a fantastic example of Nebbiolo that’s produced a lush, plummy and ribstickingly good wine.  Available from Decant Wines 03 3431945 Contea di Castiglione Barbaresco

Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008

Poderi Crisci Waiheke Island Viburno 2008 $39  No, viburno is not some snazzy new variety that’s taken root on the island; rather it’s the name of a plant which is the symbol of the Mediterranean.  Viburno is an auspicious plant which apparently symbolises triumph and great promise; and it’s an apt name for this blend [...]

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.