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 [...]

William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009

William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009 $65  Built around a solid spine of cabernet sauvignon, and with absolutely no insecticide, herbicide, pesticide, or systemic or non-organic chemicals of any kind being used; this wine is about as organic and natural as they come.  Crafted by Hayden Penny from fruit sourced from Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels, this [...]

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 [...]

Millton Vineyard Muskats @ Dawn 2011

With a striking bottle design featuring a silver crown seal and an exclusive Kate Sylvester print on the label, Millton Vineyard’s Muskats @ Dawn 2011 ($22)  is a “biologically produced” pearler from Gisborne which I hear was the surprise hit of the local wine and food festival this year.  “We couldn’t keep up with demand – it [...]

Fancrest Estate Di’s Pinot Noir

Fancrest Estate 2010 Di’s  Pinot Noir ($42) is deeply coloured and perfumed with black tea, and savoury, earthy notes which carry through to the palate.  The tannins have definite grip, and the fruit is ripe and robust enough to indicate great potential in the cellar.  www.fancrest.com

Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010

Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2010 $28  Scented with yellow plum, orange oil and frangipane.  In the mouth it boasts citrus pith and musky, mid-palate seductiveness.  Topped off with tangy, warming length of flavour and a nicely balanced 13.5% alcohol, this is definitely a drinkable example that works beautifully with apricot and sage-stuffed pork roast.  www.millton.co.nz   Millton [...]

Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010

Te Mania ‘Big Balls’ Nelson Syrah 2010 $22  Inspired by the Rugby World Cup, winemaker Steve Gill says it’s an ideal accompaniment to roast springbok and deep fried wallaby and also “to wash down any English puddings”.  Ripe and robust, peppery and smooth, it’s dangerously easy to drink.  Created as a hearty, ribsticking wine to enjoy [...]

Green Man Organic Tequila Beer

Green Man Organic Tequila Beer 5.6% $8 500ml I’m not usually a huge fan of ‘flavour infused’ beers but this example actually spun my wheels.  Cloudy with a pale, foamy head and a clean, distinctive aroma of lime and tequila which adds a element of gringo to an already crisp, flavoursome lager.  Definitely the right [...]

Rippon Tinkers Field Pinot Noir 2009

Rippon ‘Tinkers Field’ Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2009 $95  Yes, you are right, it is that price.  But I guarantee if you try this you’ll quickly realize that the last thing you spent ninety dollars on didn’t give you half the satisfaction as just one sip of the Tinkers Field.  Biodynamically produced from one of [...]

Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009

Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Les Arbes Gisborne Viognier 2009 $58   Yes it’s pricey but it’s oh so nicey!  Mandarin and tangelo notes with classic apricot kernel and cheek-tingling texture and orange oil unctuosity.  Delicious stuff from one of this country’s viognier pioneers, plus it’s organic and biodynamically produced so no doubt you’ll have [...]