Best and Worst

The Best and Worst of 2009

With time on my hands while many are still away soaking up the sun and surf, I thought it might be fun to review 2009, have my say, and then put the year to rest.

Runner Up to the Worst Wine of 2009
On Xmas Day I was offered a glass of Pernod Ricards new bubbly, Lindaeur Sauvignon. Some of the earlier publicity gave the impression that this new addition to the Lindaeur range of bubbles was an innovative first, but in fact that honour went to Mount Riley Savee which has been on the market for some years. Sweet Bubbly Cats Pee doesn’t work for me, but I suppose it’s another avenue for disposing of the Sauvignon Blanc surplus.

Worst Wine of 2009
It’s a no brainer that the dubious title of worst wine of the year would be claimed by a 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The winner was decided for me by Australian customers with comments, some unprintable about Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008. The label is big in Australia and it’s as well the 2009 vintage is considerably improved to maybe win back the disenchanted.

Runner Up to Best Wine of 2009
Naming a wine after an endangered beetle seems a little odd, unless you are a devout conservationist. Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 was endangered from the start, a lovely Pinot Noir offering exceptional value it was not destined to last. For a few months it was my biggest selling red.

Best Wine of 2009
Gimblett Gravels Reds that rated in a blind tasting along side a selection of the best First Growth Bordeaux Reds must surely rank as one of the major highlights of the year. One of the wines chosen by the eminent British wine critics was the Newton Forrest Cornerstone 2006. Having been a long time fan of the label, and sold every vintage of the wine, it’s my pick for Best Wine of 2009. Some argue the top Gimblett Gravel Reds are overpriced, but consider this; you could purchase several cases for the price of just one bottle of the First Growth Bordeaux Reds.

Looking Forward to 2010

I have chosen 4 wines to kick the year off with, all well worth dropping in for.
Omaka Springs Pinot Gris 2009($19.99) and Charles Wiffen Riesling 2009($18.99) are both top class Marlborough Aromatics, with classical varietal flavours, lovely texture and balance. These are two of the best, offering outstanding value.

Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2007($40) from the Gimblett Gravels has accumulated a host of major awards. An outstanding Syrah and a real challenge to the best Australian Shiraz. Tenuta Albrizzi Rosso 2007($21.99) from Salento in the heel of Italy is an interesting 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo. Flavousome smooth and eminently drinkable.

Cheers to the best on offer in 2010

Christmas 2009

It’s that time of the year when you may be contemplating wine as corporate or Chris tmas Gifts. Selecting suitable wines is not always easy, but is something I believe I can help with, so please keep me in mind.
As I have spoken previously the 2008 vintage was a difficult one in several of our wine growing regions and with the vintage being so big there is plenty of dodgy plonk around that is expensive even at half price. Equally there are some very good buys with some wineries under considerable financial pressure and needing cash flow.
Worth Considering Wines I can highly recommend.

Red Wines
Tasted in store recently, Trentham Estate Petit Verdot 2008.($22.99) simply oozes charm with amazing fruit intensity and all-round drinkability. Back to top form is the Willows Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005 ($33.99) a recent Gold Medal Winner drinking well now, but also good cellaring potential. Morambro Creek Padthaway Shiraz 2007 ($27.99) has now won 4 Gold Medals since I recommended it a few months ago. Classy!

The reported success of Gimblett Gravel reds in the London tasting against First Growth Bordeaux reds, has generated considerable interest in these wines. As most of you are aware I am enthusiastic about the reds from the Newton Forrest Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett gravels. Why? Because they consistently deliver on quality (not made in poor vintages eg. 2003 and 2008), have a proven record to age magnificently and provide luxurious drinking as they mature. Following success at the recent Air NZ Wine Show the winery has released a small quantity of the Newton Forrest Cornerstone 2007. Clearly an outstanding vintage and with no 2008 it could be long time between drinks. The vineyards second label, Newton Forrest Stony Corner 2007 is exceptional value. (see specials) I believe I underestimated the appeal of this wine initially based on the positive feedback I am now receiving. Also from the Cornerstone Vineyard, the aristocratic John Forrest Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is still available. A great wine!

If it is Pinot Noir and it’s not from Central Otago then many don’t want to know, but overlook this Nelson Pinot at your peril. Woollaston Estates Nelson Pinot Noir 2006 is great drinking and a bargain. (See specials). If it has to be from Central Otago then Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2008($31.99) from Alexandra, one of the most southerly vineyards in the world is very smart with a host of recent major awards and accolades.
Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2006 ($45), Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007 ($40) and Domain Road Pinot Noir 2007 ($37) offer great drinking now, the trio sharing the best part of 20 gold medal awards.
I believe I have one of the best ranges of top quality Pinot Noir currently available, mostly 2006, 2007 vintage wines, so they are ripe for drinking.

White Wines
Gewurztraminer is a variety that only a few NZ vineyards produce, but some are world class. Johanneshof Cellars Gewurztraminer ($30) is consistently one of our best and the current 2009 vintage is no exception, a Trophy winner at the Air NZ Awards. Askerne Gewurztraminer 2007 ($22) with five Gold Medals is another great value wine.
In contrast, Pinot Gris is now widely planted but there is a huge variation in quality. I was so impressed with the Charles Wiffen Pinot Gris 2009 recently released, that I have opted to run with it on Promo for December. (see specials) From Renwick in the Wairau Valley , the much awarded Gibston Bridge Reserve Pinot Gris 2007 ($26.99) is smoothly textured and very appealing, while Tatty Bogler Pinot Gris 2008 ($30) from Otago, is also very classy and a favourite of those in the know.
While on the subject of aromatic wines the Doctors Riesling is up to its tricks again, with the Doctors Riesling 2009($21.99) winning the Trophy for Champion White Wine at the Air NZ Wine Awards. The whole Doctors range is more than just a quirky label.
One could be excused for giving up on the plethora of 2008 vintage Sauvignon Blanc labels on the market, when discovering the actual origin of the label can be more stimulating than the wine in the bottle. The 2009 vintage wines appear more promising and two from the Awatere Valley I have chosen here are top class, already having good followings. From Blind River Vineyard The Sisters Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (see specials) and Forrest Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($22.99) are both typical of the best of the regions style, which many Sauvignon Blanc drinkers have come to appreciate. Both 5 Star Rated. Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($22) with 7% barrel fermented fruit, won the Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the Air NZ Awards.

Promotional pricing on Dog Point Chardonnay 2007($33.99), TW Reserve Chardonnay 2007(see specials) and Kaimira Brightwater Chardonnay 2006 ($22.99) makes for very attractive buying of these premium Chardonnay labels. All three have the added bonus of a little bottle age.
XMAS SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value

Bubbles A carefully selected range of the best quality NZ and imported bubbles, without forking out Champagne Prices. Perfect for the festive season.

Four Sisters Pinot Chardonnay NV Highly regarded Victorian Methode Traditionnelle.
4 Stars and best buy Cuisine 2008 Promo $15.99
Villa Jolanda Prosecco Brut NV Italian bubbles, light and fruity, with a refreshing dry finish. Promo $19.99
Nobilo Methode Traditionnelle 2005 Now widely regarded as one of the best value NZ bubbles available. 5 Stars Cuisine 2008 Promo $22.99 or 2 for $40
Doctors Remedy Methode Traditionelle 2005 Sealed with a crown seal which guarantees the bubbles freshness. Full flavoured and dry. Promo $32.99
Johanneshof Cellars Emmi Methode Traditionnelle NV Perhaps no Kiwi Methode is more
traditional than the Emmi. Very elegant! Promo $36

Aromatic Wines
Charles Wiffen Pinot Gris 2009 Intensely varietal, full-bodied and fresh, with a touch of spice. Classy! Promo $21.99
Orinoco Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Wonderful depth of citrus and lime flavours. Crisp, dry and very refreshing Promo $15.99
Mount Fishtail Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Second label of the Konrad Winery that has proved to be very popular. Promo $14.99
The Sisters Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Classical Awatere style. 5 Stars and top 10 Cuisine. Promo $19.99
Chardonnay
Mount George White Wire 2008 Predominant Chardonnay blend that tastes great. Unoaked. 4 Stars and best buy Cuisine. Promo $14.99 or 6 at $12.99/bottle
Mt Hector Chardonnay 2007 Reasonably weighty, creamy textured lightly oaked Hawkes Bay Chardonnay. Great value! Promo $14.99 or 6 at $12.99/bottle
Kaimira Brightwater Chardonnay 2006 Highly recommended, particularly for those who prefer a little bottle maturity in their Chardonnay. Promo $22.99
TW Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2007 One of the top Chardonnays from a great vintage. Hard to beat! Promo $26.99 or six at $25/bottle
Pinot Noir
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2008 Not my biggest selling Pinot by chance.
Silver Medal Royal Easter Show 2009 Promo $21.99 or two for $38
Woollaston Pinot Noir 2006 Very classy silky textured Nelson Pinot.
Normally $35. Promo $25
Kiritea Martinborough Pinot Noir 2008 Rich, bold fruit, silky textured with nice savoury complexity. Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $22.99
Paritua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 Mouth-filling and supple with generous berry-fruit and a touch of spice. Promo $27.99
Other Reds
Trentham La Famiglia Nebbiolo 2004 Classical Italian grape variety. Medium bodied, complex, savoury and a little spicy, dry and long. Promo $16.99
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha 2007 lovely ripe fruited Spanish Grenache. Could lightly chill to have as an aperitif. Promo $16.99
Alexia Merlot 2007 by Jane Cooper Powerful, richly flavoured Hawkes Bay red that won’t leave you wondering. Promo $17.99
Rockland Ducks & Goose Shiraz 2005 Big, bold, juicy Barossa Valley Shiraz.
4 Stars Cuisine. Promo $21.99
Newton Forrest Stony Corner 2007 Second label of the Cornerstone 2007. Rich, concentrated, high quality Gimblett Gravels Red. Promo $24.99

Remember the optimum drinking temperature for red wine is in the range of 14 to 18deg C. Lighter styles such as pinot Noir at the lower end, heavier wines at the upper end of the range.

With that last little bit of wisdom, may we extend to you all our best wishes for a safe and enjoyable festive season.
Dianna & David
Milford Cellars

The Script for the Doctors Tasting

The Doctors Remedy Methode Traditional 2005

The Doctors Riesling 8.5% Alc. 2009

The Doctors Arneis 2009

The Doctors Sauvignon Blanc 9.5% Alc. 2009

Directions Sniff well, then take a small mouthful and gently swill while sucking in a little air. Spit out or swallow.

Take on Friday 18^th Sept. or Saturday 19^th September

Follow up with a mouthful of The Valleys Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Take this medicine always in moderation

Cheers

Dr Dave

Milford Cellars June Newsletter

New labels, Genuine or Not?

New wineries are coming into production every year and with it new labels, but there are also a number of new labels that give no indication of the true origin of the wine, other than the region from which the wine was sourced. This lack of apparent ownership of the label is deliberate, in that it allows a winery or wine company to dispose of product without effecting there reputation when they have excess of low quality wine, such as the case with the mountain of dodgy 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

A winery decides to discount its wine often for cash flow reasons, but is aware of the long term consequences of devaluing their label. This is a Generic label.
Generic labels can offer great value; they are not common, although I suspect we will be seeing more of these labels in future.
The Echo Bay Gisborne Chardonnay 2007 which features in this months Specials is a generic label, which I rate “The Best Buy In Town”. Most have agreed with me.

Winter Warmers Last week, the Viva section of the Herald featured a full page article by their wine writer Jo Burzynska entitled “Warming Winter Wines”. For the next few days it seemed that every second customer was clutching a copy of Jo’s article in the expectation that I would stock his recommendations. Unfortunately they were to be disappointed and as usual in these instances nothing else would do. Not to be outdone, I’ve put together my selection of “Winter Warmers” which I suggest you print off and harass me with.
You will note that some of the wines are also at promotional pricing.

JUNE SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.

Echo Bay Chardonnay 2007 A generic label of a premium Gisborne Chardonnay selling at considerable discount to it. A Chardonnay that consistently delivers and this 2007 vintage is possibly the best ever. Elegance is the defining character of this smooth textured supple wine, displaying lovely stone-fruit and fig flavours with a gentle seasoning of French oak.
5 Stars Cuisine Special Price $15.99 Save $5 to $6 off normal retail

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 A vineyard with a reputation for producing quality wines and this 2008 vintage savy is no exception. It’s a dry style with vibrant ripe herbaceous flavours and aromas of lemongrass, capsicum, and gooseberry. The palate is well rounded and full with good concentration leading to a crisp lively finish. 4 Stars Michael Cooper
Normally $21.99 Promo $18.99

Winter Warmers
Torlesse Waipara Gewurztraminer 2008 ($22.99)
You may wonder what a Gewurztraminer is doing here amongst the “Winter Warmers”, but the spicy character and high alcohol of a good Gewurztraminer particularly when partnered by the appropriate spicy Asian dish can work a treat on a cold winter’s night. Winemaker Kim Rayner responsible for this outstanding Gewurztraminer suggests trying it with a savoury Pumpkin soup. 5 Stars & No1 Cuisine.

Castillo de Monseran Old Vine Garnacha 2006 ($22.99)
This Spanish Grenache that I mentioned in my May Newsletter has already become a favourite with many. Sourced from low yielding fifty year plus vines, it’s a smooth, cuddly, richly flavoured red that only needs a cozy room and good company.

Newton Forrest Merlot 2006 ($29.99)
Possibly the ultimate in “Winter Warmers” with its spicy, dusty oak, juicy blackcurrant and chocolate, all set off by ripe fine-grained tannins. A majestic merlot from the Gimblett Gravels with concentration and finesse which could be many times this price had it originated from Bordeaux . Perfect with a lamb roast. 5 Stars & No 1 Cuisine

Rocland Duck’s and Goose Shiraz 2005 No lineup of “Winter Warmers” would be complete without a big Barossa Shiraz and this popular label more than fits the bill. Matured for 30 months in French and American oak it is certainly not short in the oak department, but has the weight of big ripe juicy Shiraz fruit along with lovely silky tannins to handle it. Stoke up the fire. 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $21.99 or 2 for $38

Onyx Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006
Only recently released, this new label from Master of Wine Steven Bennett and Matt Deller is claimed to offer all the intensity and complexity of other top Hawkes Bay labels, but at a more competitive price. Matured in high quality French oak following a lengthy masceration, the wine is tightly structured, powerful and full-bodied, with generous plum and cedarwood characters displaying pleasing richness and depth. A very smart red that would be great with rack of lamb.
Normally $32 Promo $24.99

Pauletts Clare Valley Cabernet Merlot 2005 A Classy red for a cold winter’s night. An 82/18 blend of Cabernet and Merlot that spent 18 months maturation in French Oak hogsheads prior to bottling. Now showing nice bottle age complexities to add to the rich plum and berry-fruit flavours. Pull out the casserole.
Normally $26 Promo $22.99

Also at Milford Cellars - while stocks last:
O-Tu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($21.99) Classical Awatere Valley style
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 ($18.99 or 2 for $35) Super drinking now
Scotts Creek Shiraz 2007 ($13.99 or 2 for $25) great drinking – top value
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($17.99) Classy bottle aged South Aus. red

Keep Warm
Cheers David

Queens Birthday Wine Specials

MILFORD CELLARS - A TRIO OF GREAT VALUE WINES TO ENJOY

Classy Gisborne Chardonnay-Superb drinking.
Echo Bay Chardonnay 2007 An alternative label to a premium Gisborne Chardonnay selling at considerable discount to it. A Chardonnay that consistently delivers and this 2007 vintage is possibly the best ever. Elegance is the defining character of this smooth textured supple wine, displaying lovely stonefruit and fig flavours with a gentle seasoning of French oak. 5 Stars Cuisine Special Price $15.99
Save $5 to $6 off normal retail.

Full flavoured Spanish Red
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha (Grenache) 2007 From the mountains of Caranena in northeastern Spain this bright fruity red is made from 100% Grenache. Entirely tank fermented (no oak), it’s not a demanding red, but thoroughly enjoyable with smooth texture and pleasing varietal flavours.
Promo $15.99
Note The wineries premium Grenache, Castillo De Monseran Old Vines Garnacha 2006 is an outstanding wine and sells for $22.99

Big enough to handle a rich winter stew
Pauletts Clare Valley Cabernet Merlot 2005 A Classy red for a cold winter’s night. An 82/18 blend of Cabernet and Merlot that spent 18 months maturation in French Oak hogsheads prior to bottling. Now showing nice bottle age complexities to add to the rich plum and berry-fruit flavours.
Normally $26 Promo $22.99
Watch the temperature of the bigger reds at this time of the year; they will often be to cold. About 18deg. is optimum.

Cheers David

May

As a young Veterinary graduate stationed at Te Hana just north of Wellsford in the early nineteen sixties, the Mangawhai district was part of the rural practice. Narrow gravel roads led to the sleepy township of Mangawhai comprising little more than a garage, hotel and smattering of batches. The surf beach and pristine estuary from which a few locals ventured out on fishing trips had yet to be discovered, and any thought of growing grapes for wine in the vicinity were years away, in fact almost 50 years. Steve and Chris tine Lay previously from the North Shore , have named their vineyard in King Road “Estuary Vineyard” and their first wine, the Estuary Chardonnay 2008 ($24.99) is a fitting tribute to that lovely stretch of water. Fermented and aged for 11 months entirely in new French oak barriques, it has a rich smooth texture, with flavours reminiscent of grapefruit and white peach nicely integrated with the savoury oak.

NZ wines stun Britain ’s biggest wine buffs British wine experts were left dumbstruck following a tasting held at NZ house featuring six Hawkes Bay reds from the 2005-6 vintage and six French Clarets (Bordeaux Reds) from 2005. A Report in the National Business Review quotes an article in the Daily Telegraph written by their wine writer Jonathon Ray who reported that none of the 30 UK wine masters, including Jancis Robinson, sommeliers, Wine Society buffs and wine journalists were told anything about the vintages they were sampling. When the scoring was collated the French reds took the first three places as well as fifth, the Kiwis fourth and sixth place. This looked a creditable showing drawing polite applause.
Then the bombshell, as the Telegraph put it, when it was revealed “who was playing in the Bordeaux team”. They included such prestigious labels as, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild selling at ($NZ2565) a bottle, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild ($NZ177) and Chateau Angelus ($775). Fifth spot went to Chateau Haut-Brion ($NZ1850).
The NZ plonk was somewhat more modestly priced, fourth place going to the Sacred Hill Helmsman at $NZ47 a bottle while Newton Forrest Cornerstone, costing $NZ39 came sixth.
Ray reported that the tasters were left open-mouthed with the sound of jaws crashing to the floor. “The result was astonishing, to say the least,” he wrote.

What’s Hot I haven’t noticed a big shift towards red wines as yet but as winter draws closer I am sure it is not far away. Two reds that have gained a very enthusiastic following recently are the Tim Gramp Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($26.99) and a new label from the Barossa Valley , Rocland Ducks & Goose Shiraz 2005 ($21.99) I highly recommend both these South Australian reds.
Subscribers to Cuisine Magazine may have noted the success in their annual Chardonnay tasting of an unfamiliar label. Lonestone Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 (see specials) is a label from Steve Bennett, Master of Wine and Matt Deller. Rated 5 Stars and judged the No 1 Best Buy, this is just one wine in a very impressive portfolio. Under the Lonestone label there is also a good value Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, but there are two other labels in the range.
The Discovery Point label includes two high quality wines made in a dry style, are ideal food wines and understandably grace the wine lists of several of our top restaurants. Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) and Discovery Point Dry Riesling 2008, ($22.99) are both sourced from high quality Marlborough fruit and have already received some glowing reviews.
The third label is the Onyx, which is their reserve range and includes a Chardonnay and a Merlot Cabernet. I thought the Onyx Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006 ($32) very good but the star wine for me was the Onyx Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 ($32). Outstanding!
This is a range of wines that warrants every discerning wine drinker’s attention, as not only do they deliver with exceptional quality, but also value for money.


MAY 2009 SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value
Lonestone Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 An elegant stylish wine, but with underlying power and depth that placed it amongst the top labels in Cuisines recent Chardonnay tasting. Of the ten wines awarded 5 Stars in the tasting, nine were from the Bay, one from Gisborne, and all from the 2007 vintage, clearly a stellar year for Chardonnay.
5 Stars and No1 Best Buy Cuisine.
Promo $19.99
Domaine La Chapelle 2007 Made from the Carignan grape the most widely planted variety in France . The best Carignan Wines are considered to be sourced from the old vines of Corbieres as is this wine, being sourced from 50 year old vines. Carignan wines can be a little bland, but this medium bodied red has pleasant slightly earthy berry-fruit flavours, and is very easy drinking
Promo $16.99.
Rocland Duck’s & Goose Shiraz 2005 This small Barossa winery has been producing some high quality wines and clearly considerable imagination in naming them. This lovely rich wine has great depth and length of dark-berry, chocolate and mocha on the palate enhanced by silky tannins and nicely integrated oak. A classy shiraz already proving very popular.
Promo $21.99
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 by Tim Gramp A red that ticks all the boxes for
quality, drinkability and value. The plain label belies the quality and sheer drinkability of this well structured and focused red that has gained a big following. Tim Gramp has used top quality fruit in producing this wine, that shows with the classic lifted Cabernet fruit on the nose and the full, rich palate of mixed berries and spice, supported by balanced oak. Previously $20 now even better value at $17.99

Also while stocks last:
O-Tu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($21.99) Classical Awatere Valley style
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 ($18.99 or 2 for $35) Super drinking now
Scotts Creek Shiraz 2007 ($13.99 or 2 for $25) great drinking – top value

Cheers David

March Newsletter

Miniature Golf 2009 - Out and about in Milford this March!


Last month I wrote of the problems experienced with the huge 2008 vintage in the Marlborough region, but a Chardonnay I tasted this week from the Hawkes Bay , reminded me that the Bay also was not immune to the vagaries of Mother Nature. It was reported that Botrytis mould had been a problem, particularly with Chardonnay Crops and certainly this wine had significant signs of this. Red grape varieties also did not escape unscathed and although some producers are reported to be happy with their lot, it is significant that other vineyards have given the vintage a miss, not prepared to compromise their quality standards. Not one 2008 vintage Chardonnay featured amongst the Gold Medals in the Royal Easter Show Awards which have just been released and only two in the list of Silver Awards. Tread cautiously when it comes to the 2008 vintage wines from Hawkes Bay is my advice, though it could well be a good year for botrytised desert wines.
Gibson Bridge Vineyard located just outside Renwick in Marlborough has a close affiliation to Milford having been established by previous local residents, Howard Simmonds and wife Julie. The couple headed south several years ago and the boutique vineyard they established experienced almost immediate success with their Pinot Gris Wines. Gibson Bridge Reserve Pinot Gris 2007 ($25.99) has won a host of awards and is a very appealing wine, worthy of true reserve status.
The Coopers Creek SV range, ( SV standing for Select Vineyards) has produced some quality and interesting wines since being released two years ago. Coopers Creek SV Limeworks Chardonnay 2007 (See Specials) a Gold Medal winner at the Royal Easter Show is a classy Hawkes Bay wine, while the rare Arnies, the traditional white grape of Piedmont in Northern Italy is showcased in the highly rated SV Gisborne Arnies The Little Rascal 2008.($21.99). Arnies are best drunk young so don’t hold back on this “Little Rascal.”
Of interest to those clients partial to the TW Reserve Chardonnay 2006, the latest release of this label from the 2007 Gisborne vintage also featured with a Gold Medal in the Easter Show wine awards.
Two wines tasted in store over the weekend came with excellent reviews and certainly stood up to some serious interrogation. Newton Forrest Stony Corner Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2007 ($28.99) although very youthful, wooed everyone with its brilliant deep colour, concentrated berry fruit, dark chocolate and mouth-filling ripe tannins. A very classy Gimblett Gravels red that is best decanted to enjoy at its best now, as it is clearly made for the long hall. Plenty of procyanidins in this beauty. ( See Specials) Te Mania Reserve Chardonnay 2007($28.99) is certainly not shy, with mouth-filling body and very good depth of stone-fruit and butterscotch flavours, all complemented by nice toasty oak. A powerful Chardonnay, but not lacking in finesse.

MARCH 2009 SPECIALS

Selected first for quality and sold at good value

White Wines:

Coopers Creek SV Gisborne Arneis The Little Rascal 2008 A variety that would appear to thrive in the northern region of Gisborne. The flavours are citrusy and spicy with hints of almonds the latter being typical of the variety. A very refreshing white but tends to produce quite high alcohol, this one being 14.5%. Incidentally, Arneis is pronounced ar-nace. Promo $21.99

Belmonte sauvignon Blanc 2008 It’s hard to find a better buy than this Sauvignon Blanc that oozes charm and sheer drinkability with its delicate flavours and clean refreshing palate. Proving to be a real hit and at its best when well chilled. A lovely Sauvignon Blanc for the months ahead. Highly recommended! 4 Stars – Michael Cooper. Promo $15.99

O-Tu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 A classical Awatere Valley style with its zesty mineral elegance, fresh lime /gooseberry flavours and long, appetizing, crisp persistent finish. This is a very classy wine and in my view a standout wine of the vintage. Runner-up Winestate Sauvignon Blanc of the year. Normally $25. Promo $21.99

Coopers Creek the Limeworks Chardonnay 2007 Even better than the appealing 2006 vintage of this label. Showing substantial body, with ripe peach and grapefruit flavours it’s gently seasoned with toasty American oak. Gold Medal Easter Show 2009. Promo $21.99

Red Wines:

Scotts Creek Growling Frog Shiraz 2007 This budget priced South Australian Shiraz is very good and proving popular. Not a simple sweet fruit bomb, it has a nice touch of spice to enhance the complex mix of varietal flavours and finishes dry. $13.99/bottle or Two for $25

Newton Forrest Stony Corner Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec2007 As I intermated in the Newsletter above this is a wine that some of you may like to put down for a while. I believe it offers great value and am offering a special case price of 6 bottles for $162 ($27/bottle)

Also on Promo while stocks last
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 ($18.99) Special two bottles buy, 2 for $32
Kakapo Nelson Chardonnay 2005 ($15.99)
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 ($24.99) two Gold Medals
Boreham Wood sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($19.99) 5 Stars Cuisine. Last of the vintage.

Thomson Estate Old Pumphouse Shiraz 2007 ($15.99) Gold Medal, 4 Stars Winestate.
TW Estate Merlot 2007 ($19.99) Highly Recommended!
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($19.99) Great drinking
Chateaux Vieux Manoir 2003 ($19.99) Bordeaux Red.

Cheers David