XMAS NEWSLETTER DEC. 2008
My last newsletter of the year and with Xmas only two weeks away spare a little time to peruse a sample of my offerings for the festive season ahead. Included is a comprehensive range of wines at promotional pricing, and a list, by no means complete, of some of the outstanding premium wines I have in stock. Look out for a fantastic 10yr old Gimblett Road Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding 1998 Hawkes Bay vintage. (See below)
GIFT WRAPPING Once again I have some attractive gift wrapping options free of charge, but would appreciate a little warning or time if you have a number of bottles to be wrapped.
BOUTIQUE NZ BEERS I now stock a wide range of beers from Boutique NZ Breweries. Gift packs of these beers make an excellent gift for that hard to buy for man.
PREMIUM WINE RECOMMENDATIONS single vineyard wines that clearly rate amongst the best of their variety from the better vintages.
Forrest Wines Doctors Range You will love the new labeling and the quality wines to match, just three in the range including two recent trophy winners.
Doctors Noble Chenin Blanc 2008 ($24.99) Gold Medal & Trophy Air NZ Awards 2008
Doctors Riesling 2008 ($21.99) Gold Medal & Trophy Air NZ Awards 2008
Doctors Bubbles for Beth 2005 ($29.99) Methode Traditional from Syrah and Grenache,
Johanneshof Gewurztraminer 2008 ($29.99) and Johanneshof Pinot Gris Medium 2007 ($29.99) High quality multiple award winning wines.
The Fiddlers Green Wines may not be household names, nor the wonderful sailor’s tale from which the name originated be known, but the wines produced from this Waipara Vineyard are worthy of recognition. Fiddlers Green Chardonnay 2006 ($34.99) and Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) are of high quality as is the classical Fiddlers Green Pinot Noir 2004 ($39.99).
One of New Zealand ’s Iconic labels is the Martinborough Ata Rangi vineyard Pinot Noir, widely regarded as one of NZ great wines. Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2006 ($75). Is a wine of compelling depth and complexity.
The John Forrest Collection The quality of this range of superb wines from low yielding mainly older vines is now well documented, while the equally impressive reds from the Gimblett Gravels under the Newton Forrest Label offer great value. I have the complete range of these wines to choose from.
FROM THE CELLAR
Newton Forrest Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 A classic example of Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon that has stood the test of time. One of the top rated wines of the 1998 Hawkes Bay vintage, still amazingly youthful, bright purple in colour and offering superb drinking over the next year or two. A special wine, exclusive to Milford Cellars . Normally $55 Special $40 . .
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
SPARKLING WINES:
Beacon Hill NV Brut Cuvee An easy drinking style with fresh fruity flavours, soft and mouth-filling. $13.99 or Two for $25
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle NV From Central Otago this latest release is a blend of Pinot Noir 62% and Chardonnay 38%. A rich, easy drinking style regarded as one of our best Methode Traditionnelle bubbles. DRY
Promo $28.99
Cuvee No 1 NV Being made from 100% Marlborough Chardonnay this is a classic blanc de blancs style Champagne made by Daniel Le Brun. The winner of many international awards it’s clearly one of NZ best bubbles. DRY. Promo $39.99 Case Price $38.99/bot
SAUVIGNON BLANC:
Bishops Head Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 An easy drinking style with good depth of flavour and smooth barrel fermentation characters adding complexity.
Promo $14.99 or Two for $28
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Premium “Savy” at its best now, as two recent Gold Medal awards confirm. Weighty, finely balanced with delicious melon, lime and passionfruit flavours it offers exceptional value. Gold Medal California , Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov.08 Promo $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A classical Awatere valley style with typical cool climate herbaceous aromas and herbal gooseberry, passionfruit flavours. A vibrant lively wine with pleasing texture and weight, it’s been the bridesmaid on seven occasions with seven silver medals. 5 Stars Cuisine (Dec08) Promo $18.99
Omaka Springs Falveys Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A small percentage of Semillon contributes to this wines punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, while a sliver of sweetness balanced by racy acidity adds appeal to this very popular single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Promo $19.99
AROMATICS
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 A lovely example of this aristocratic variety, the perfect partner to summer salads and fresh fish meals with its juicy citrus flavours and minerally edge. An off/dry style with a refreshing crisp finish. Promo $16.99
Forrest Doctors Riesling 2007 Made in a Germanic Style with only 8.5% alcohol and a touch of residual sweetness this highly awarded label continues to grow in popularity. The perfect aperitif or luncheon wine, deliciously refreshing, lively, light and very long. Promo $17.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 Very popular and clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish .Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $18.99
CHARDONNAY
TW Estate Chardonnay 2007 Just released, and another very good vintage of this great value unoaked Chardonnay. Full-bodied with ripe citrus and melon flavours, it shows a slight creamy/ buttery texture from having had a degree of malolactic fermentation.
Promo $15.99
Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Chardonnay The Limeworks SV 2006 The fruit for this lovely Chardonnay is all sourced from the one company vineyard on the limestone hills just out of Havelock North. A beautifully balanced wine showing perfect integration of fruit and oak. Highly Recommended! Promo $21.99
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 Another single vineyard Chardonnay grown at Patutahi in Gisborne. Fermented in French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation, it’s weighty and creamy textured with excellent flavour depth. Gold Medal Top 100 Sept. 2008; Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov. 2008 Promo $24.99
RED WINES
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Wonderful vibrant fruit- top value! Gold Medal & Trophy top 100; 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $27.99
Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 Another second label, the quirky name celebrating the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. A wonderful seamless expression of Pinot Noir from this Cromwell winery that is fast acquiring a big reputation. 5 Stars & top 10 Cuisine Promo $28.99
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2007 & Scotts Creek Shiraz 2007 Two South Australian reds that deliver plenty of smooth easy drinking, without added residual sugar prevalent in many commercial Australian Reds. Both are weighty wines with good varietal flavours, the Scotts Creek being the spicier of the two. $13.99 or two for $25
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 The quality and structure of this Shiraz belies its modest price and you would be hard pressed to find its equal in this price range. Lovely berry-fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Highly recommended! 4½ Stars Sam Kim.
Promo $16.99
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and solid acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food around the BBQ. Promo $15.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A lovely Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! Promo $27.99
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 From the Tim Gramp Vineyard in the Clare Valley a lovely Cabernet, rich and supple with lush complex savoury berry-fruit flavours which linger on a long finish. Highly Recommended ! Promo $20
Also at Promotional Pricing:
Beacon Hill Cuvee NV $13.99 or Two for $25 Kaimira Nelson Chardonnay 2006 $15.99
Thomson Toolunka Flat Cabernet 2006 $15.99 Pikes “Luccio” Sangiovese 2006 $18.99
Finally, a special wish to all of you for a safe and happy festive season.
Cheers David and Dianna
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
November
A little tongue in the cheek.
“Well ya see Norm, it’s like this…A herd of Buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest Buffalo . And when a herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back of the herd that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol as we know kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of alcohol eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
That’s why you always feel smarter after a few drinks!”
Cliff Clavin
Air NZ Wine Awards These awards are the last in the 2008 round of Wine Shows and for many because of their long history feature as the most important event on our Wine Show calendar. Two wines that feature in my Xmas promotions impressed the judges receiving Gold Medal Awards. The Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 won its second Gold after previously having impressed the judging panel at the Liquorland top 100. In the Sauvignon Blanc section the Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was the solitary wine from the 2007 vintage to receive Gold, the others all being from the 2008 wines. I have always believed that this wine is at its best a good year after vintage when many other Sauvignon’s are beginning to loose there vibrancy.
New Releases Tasting The recent tasting of some of the new vintage releases available certainly went down well. The Wooing Tree Beetle Juice 2007 ($28.99) is what most love about Central Otago Pinot Noir, while the lovely highly aromatic Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2008 ($28.99) pressed all the right buttons. The distinctly cool climate Waipara Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) shows that Marlborough does not hold a mortgage on Sauvignon Blanc, and received an enthusiastic response. The new 2007 vintage of the TW Estate Chardonnay ($15.99) lived up to my expectations as a worthy successor to the hugely popular 2006 vintage of this wine. Another top vintage and great value at this promotional price.
NOVEMBER SPECIALS
At this stage I have not arranged my complete list of wines for the Xmas Promotion but the following will feature pending availability. The full list will be available in my December Newsletter.
SPARKLING WINES:
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle NV From Central Otago this latest release was recently disgorged and is a blend of Pinot Noir 62% and Chardonnay 38%. A rich, easy drinking style regarded as one of our best Methode Traditionnelle bubbles. DRY
Promo $28.99
Cuvee No 1 NV Being made from 100% Marlborough Chardonnay this is a classic blanc de blancs style Champagne made by Daniel Le Brun. The winner of many awards it’s clearly one of NZ best bubbles. DRY. Promo $39.99 Case Price $38.99/bot
SAUVIGNON BLANC:
Bishops Head Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 An easy drinking style with good depth of flavour and a hint of oak adding complexity from partial barrel fermentation.
Promo $14.99
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Premium “Savy” at its best now, as two recent Gold Medal awards confirm. Weighty, finely balanced with delicious melon, lime and passionfruit flavours it offers exceptional value. Gold Medal California , Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov.08 Promo $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A classical Awatere valley style with typical cool climate herbaceous aromas and herbal gooseberry, passionfruit flavours. A vibrant lively wine with pleasing texture and weight, it’s been the bridesmaid on seven occasions with seven silver medals. Promo $18.99
Omaka Springs Falveys Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A small percentage of Semillon contributes to this wines punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, while a sliver of sweetness balanced by racy acidity adds appeal to this very popular single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Promo $19.99
AROMATICS
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 A lovely example of this aristocratic variety, the perfect partner to summer salads and fresh fish meals with its juicy citrus flavours and minerally edge. An off/dry style with a refreshing crisp finish. Promo $16.99
Forrest Doctors Riesling 2007 Made in a Germanic Style with only 8.5% alcohol and a touch of residual sweetness this highly awarded label continues to grow in popularity. The perfect aperitif or luncheon wine, deliciously refreshing, lively and light. Promo $17.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 Very popular and clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish .Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $18.99
CHARDONNAY
TW Estate Chardonnay 2007 Just released, and another very good vintage of this great value unoaked Chardonnay. Full-bodied with ripe citrus and melon flavours, it shows a slight creamy/ buttery texture from having had a degree of malolactic fermentation.
Promo $15.99
Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Chardonnay The Limeworks SV 2006 The fruit for this lovely Chardonnay is all sourced from the one company vineyard on the limestone hills just out of Havelock North. A beautifully balanced wine showing perfect integration of outstanding fruit with judicious use of oak. Highly Recommended! Promo $21.99
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 Another single vineyard Chardonnay this grown at Patutahi in Gisborne. Fermented in French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation, it’s weighty, peachy and creamy textured, with toasty oak and excellent flavour depth. Gold Medal Top 100 Sept. 2008; Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov. 2008 Promo $24.99
RED WINES
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2006 & Scotts Creek Shiraz 2006 Two South Australian reds that deliver plenty of smooth easy drinking, without added residual sugar prevalent in many commercial Australian Reds. Both are weighty wines with good varietal flavours, the Scotts Creek being the spicier of the two. $13.99 or two for $25
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 The quality and structure of this Shiraz belies its modest price and you would be hard pressed to find its equal in this price range. Lovely berry-fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Highly recommended! 4½ Stars Sam Kim.
Promo $16.99
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti, based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and solid acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food and can easily handle strong flavoured cheeses.
Promo $15.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A lovely Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! Promo $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Wonderful vibrant fruit- top value! Gold Medal & Trophy top 100; 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $27.99 Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 Another second label, the quirky name celebrating the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. A wonderful seamless expression of pinot noir from this Cromwell winery that is fast acquiring a big reputation. 5 Stars & top 10 Cuisine Promo $28.99
Also at Promotional Pricing:
Beacon Hill Cuvee NV $13.99 or Two for $25 Kaimira Nelson Chardonnay 2006 $15.99
Thomson Toolunka Flat Cabernet 2004 $15.99 Pikes “Luccio” Sangiovese 2006 $18.99
Cheers!
“Well ya see Norm, it’s like this…A herd of Buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest Buffalo . And when a herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back of the herd that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol as we know kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of alcohol eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
That’s why you always feel smarter after a few drinks!”
Cliff Clavin
Air NZ Wine Awards These awards are the last in the 2008 round of Wine Shows and for many because of their long history feature as the most important event on our Wine Show calendar. Two wines that feature in my Xmas promotions impressed the judges receiving Gold Medal Awards. The Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 won its second Gold after previously having impressed the judging panel at the Liquorland top 100. In the Sauvignon Blanc section the Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was the solitary wine from the 2007 vintage to receive Gold, the others all being from the 2008 wines. I have always believed that this wine is at its best a good year after vintage when many other Sauvignon’s are beginning to loose there vibrancy.
New Releases Tasting The recent tasting of some of the new vintage releases available certainly went down well. The Wooing Tree Beetle Juice 2007 ($28.99) is what most love about Central Otago Pinot Noir, while the lovely highly aromatic Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2008 ($28.99) pressed all the right buttons. The distinctly cool climate Waipara Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) shows that Marlborough does not hold a mortgage on Sauvignon Blanc, and received an enthusiastic response. The new 2007 vintage of the TW Estate Chardonnay ($15.99) lived up to my expectations as a worthy successor to the hugely popular 2006 vintage of this wine. Another top vintage and great value at this promotional price.
NOVEMBER SPECIALS
At this stage I have not arranged my complete list of wines for the Xmas Promotion but the following will feature pending availability. The full list will be available in my December Newsletter.
SPARKLING WINES:
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle NV From Central Otago this latest release was recently disgorged and is a blend of Pinot Noir 62% and Chardonnay 38%. A rich, easy drinking style regarded as one of our best Methode Traditionnelle bubbles. DRY
Promo $28.99
Cuvee No 1 NV Being made from 100% Marlborough Chardonnay this is a classic blanc de blancs style Champagne made by Daniel Le Brun. The winner of many awards it’s clearly one of NZ best bubbles. DRY. Promo $39.99 Case Price $38.99/bot
SAUVIGNON BLANC:
Bishops Head Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 An easy drinking style with good depth of flavour and a hint of oak adding complexity from partial barrel fermentation.
Promo $14.99
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Premium “Savy” at its best now, as two recent Gold Medal awards confirm. Weighty, finely balanced with delicious melon, lime and passionfruit flavours it offers exceptional value. Gold Medal California , Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov.08 Promo $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A classical Awatere valley style with typical cool climate herbaceous aromas and herbal gooseberry, passionfruit flavours. A vibrant lively wine with pleasing texture and weight, it’s been the bridesmaid on seven occasions with seven silver medals. Promo $18.99
Omaka Springs Falveys Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A small percentage of Semillon contributes to this wines punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, while a sliver of sweetness balanced by racy acidity adds appeal to this very popular single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Promo $19.99
AROMATICS
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 A lovely example of this aristocratic variety, the perfect partner to summer salads and fresh fish meals with its juicy citrus flavours and minerally edge. An off/dry style with a refreshing crisp finish. Promo $16.99
Forrest Doctors Riesling 2007 Made in a Germanic Style with only 8.5% alcohol and a touch of residual sweetness this highly awarded label continues to grow in popularity. The perfect aperitif or luncheon wine, deliciously refreshing, lively and light. Promo $17.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 Very popular and clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish .Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $18.99
CHARDONNAY
TW Estate Chardonnay 2007 Just released, and another very good vintage of this great value unoaked Chardonnay. Full-bodied with ripe citrus and melon flavours, it shows a slight creamy/ buttery texture from having had a degree of malolactic fermentation.
Promo $15.99
Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Chardonnay The Limeworks SV 2006 The fruit for this lovely Chardonnay is all sourced from the one company vineyard on the limestone hills just out of Havelock North. A beautifully balanced wine showing perfect integration of outstanding fruit with judicious use of oak. Highly Recommended! Promo $21.99
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 Another single vineyard Chardonnay this grown at Patutahi in Gisborne. Fermented in French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation, it’s weighty, peachy and creamy textured, with toasty oak and excellent flavour depth. Gold Medal Top 100 Sept. 2008; Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov. 2008 Promo $24.99
RED WINES
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2006 & Scotts Creek Shiraz 2006 Two South Australian reds that deliver plenty of smooth easy drinking, without added residual sugar prevalent in many commercial Australian Reds. Both are weighty wines with good varietal flavours, the Scotts Creek being the spicier of the two. $13.99 or two for $25
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 The quality and structure of this Shiraz belies its modest price and you would be hard pressed to find its equal in this price range. Lovely berry-fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Highly recommended! 4½ Stars Sam Kim.
Promo $16.99
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti, based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and solid acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food and can easily handle strong flavoured cheeses.
Promo $15.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A lovely Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! Promo $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Wonderful vibrant fruit- top value! Gold Medal & Trophy top 100; 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $27.99 Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 Another second label, the quirky name celebrating the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. A wonderful seamless expression of pinot noir from this Cromwell winery that is fast acquiring a big reputation. 5 Stars & top 10 Cuisine Promo $28.99
Also at Promotional Pricing:
Beacon Hill Cuvee NV $13.99 or Two for $25 Kaimira Nelson Chardonnay 2006 $15.99
Thomson Toolunka Flat Cabernet 2004 $15.99 Pikes “Luccio” Sangiovese 2006 $18.99
Cheers!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Something to go nicely with that weather
Looks like summer has arrived. Drop into Milford Cellars for something to sip on as the sun goes down.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Elections
After casting your vote you may like to drop in to Milford Cellars and check out these new releases.
THE LINE UP:
THE LINE UP:
- Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2008 no mistaking the pedigree if this Central Otago aromatic.
- Wooing Tree Vineyard Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 polished-seamless-concentrated. 5 Stars Cuisine.
- Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Lovely fruited cool-climate style.
- Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 by Tim Gramp not a new release but essential tasting for those who haven’t.
Wines Available for tasting Friday 7th Nov. 5pm to 8pm, Saturday 8th Nov. 10am to 8pm
Please Note that due to unforeseen circumstances the John Forrest Collection Tasting has been rescheduled for 7pm Wednesday the 26th of November. If you are able to make it on this date I still have tickets available.
Friday, October 17, 2008
October Newsletter
THE JOHN FORREST COLLECTION TASTING
I still have tickets left for this tasting, an opportunity to meet the Winemaker and taste some great wines.
DATE: Wednesday 29th of October 2008
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Milford Tennis Club Dobson Ave. Milford
TICKETS: $15 Per Person. Available from the shop or I will post if requested.
A tasting not to be missed!
It’s the time of the year when wine competitions are in full swing, the latest results being released from the Liquorland Top 100. This Competition tends to show a bias to many of the more commercial wines from the big producers and this years medal and trophy winners were no exception, so it was somewhat surprising to see the trophy for the Champion Pinot Noir awarded to the tiny Central Otago Alexander Wine Company’s Alex Gold Pinot Noir 2007. Those who follow my monthly Specials will be aware that I chose this wine for promotion last month and its popularity has prompted me to continue this promo. At $27.99 it’s great Value. (see specials). I anticipate that the 2007 vintage will prove an outstanding year for Pinot Noir, and there will be some lovely wines released from this vintage in the coming months. Watch this space!
Another tiny Central Otago Vineyard is Bald Hills in the Bannockburn area whose recently released Pinot Gris 2008 ($28.99) is well worth seeking out. Beautifully fragrant with lovely ripe fruit, it’s made in a dryish style and is very classy.
Also showing its class and proving very popular at promotional pricing, is Irvines Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2005 ($27.99) A beautifully crafted red from Barossa and Eden Valley fruit, it ticks all the boxes for sheer luxurious drinkability.
If you fancy a Chardonnay with the wow factor that doesn’t break the bank, then look no further than the TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 ($15.99). This unoaked Gisborne wine has an enthusiastic following for good reason and is currently my biggest selling white wine.
Kilroy was here! Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Kilroy was here! Shiras 2006 are two new wines to find my shelves. You might ask what a serious wine store is doing with such gimmicky labels, and anyway who is Kilroy? The answer to that question is found in these bottles of seriously good Barossa Valley Wines. It’s no gimmick.
OCTOBER SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.
Red Wines
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 I enjoyed a bottle of this South Australian Wine with some friends recently who were surprised at its modest price. It has really opened up in the last few months with lovely rich chocolate and spice flavours. Terrific Value! 41/2 Stars Sam Kim Promo $16.99
Corazan Syrah 2006 Talented local winemaker Shayne Cox made this very smart Syrah from his small vineyard at Oratia. Rich and spicy, it shows plenty of bright dark berry-fruit and nice earthy touches. Great alternative to Pinot Noir. Promo $24.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! 41/2 Stars James Halliday
Normally $31.99 Special $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 A vintage that is already proving to be a stellar one for many varieties including Pinot Noir. This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second tier label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Already has an enthusiastic following. Gold Medal & Trophy Top 100
Promo $27.99
Also
Pikes Luccio Sangiovese 2006 $18.99 94/100 James Halliday
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $20 Made by Tim Gramp
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2006 $13.99 Scotts Creek Shiraz $13.99 (Any Two for $25)
White Wines
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A richly textured Sauvignon Blanc, nothing thin about this wine, but still lively and refreshing on the palate with melon, lime and passionfruit flavours, finishing long and dry. Quite delicious! Gold Medal California
Normally $19.99 Special $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A single vineyard wine from the Awatere Valley , showing the distinctive herbaceous bouquet typical of that region. Finely balanced with fresh herbal, gooseberry and passionfruit flavours, it’s nice and punchy with good body, flavour depth and vibrancy. The winner of 7 Silver Medals including London International Wine Challenge 2008 Promo $18.99
TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 Quality fruit is the prerequisite for making Unoaked Chardonnay, and this Gisborne wine proves the point with its delicious fruit, creamy texture and overall balance that makes it such an appealing wine. Promo $15.99
Te Mania Estate Chardonnay 2007 A fruit driven Chardonnay, with a little influence from American and French Oak, adding interest to the ripe peach, nectarine and citrus flavours. A Chardonnay with plenty of character that works well with chicken and fish dishes.
Normally $19.99 Special $17.99
Also...
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 $18.99 Drinking superbly now, great value.
Forrest Estate Doctors Riesling 2007 $17.99 The perfect aperitif, only 8.5% alc.
Okahu Estate Chardonnay 2004 $24.99 Mature, creamy & buttery.
Cheers David
I still have tickets left for this tasting, an opportunity to meet the Winemaker and taste some great wines.
DATE: Wednesday 29th of October 2008
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Milford Tennis Club Dobson Ave. Milford
TICKETS: $15 Per Person. Available from the shop or I will post if requested.
A tasting not to be missed!
It’s the time of the year when wine competitions are in full swing, the latest results being released from the Liquorland Top 100. This Competition tends to show a bias to many of the more commercial wines from the big producers and this years medal and trophy winners were no exception, so it was somewhat surprising to see the trophy for the Champion Pinot Noir awarded to the tiny Central Otago Alexander Wine Company’s Alex Gold Pinot Noir 2007. Those who follow my monthly Specials will be aware that I chose this wine for promotion last month and its popularity has prompted me to continue this promo. At $27.99 it’s great Value. (see specials). I anticipate that the 2007 vintage will prove an outstanding year for Pinot Noir, and there will be some lovely wines released from this vintage in the coming months. Watch this space!
Another tiny Central Otago Vineyard is Bald Hills in the Bannockburn area whose recently released Pinot Gris 2008 ($28.99) is well worth seeking out. Beautifully fragrant with lovely ripe fruit, it’s made in a dryish style and is very classy.
Also showing its class and proving very popular at promotional pricing, is Irvines Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2005 ($27.99) A beautifully crafted red from Barossa and Eden Valley fruit, it ticks all the boxes for sheer luxurious drinkability.
If you fancy a Chardonnay with the wow factor that doesn’t break the bank, then look no further than the TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 ($15.99). This unoaked Gisborne wine has an enthusiastic following for good reason and is currently my biggest selling white wine.
Kilroy was here! Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Kilroy was here! Shiras 2006 are two new wines to find my shelves. You might ask what a serious wine store is doing with such gimmicky labels, and anyway who is Kilroy? The answer to that question is found in these bottles of seriously good Barossa Valley Wines. It’s no gimmick.
OCTOBER SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.
Red Wines
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 I enjoyed a bottle of this South Australian Wine with some friends recently who were surprised at its modest price. It has really opened up in the last few months with lovely rich chocolate and spice flavours. Terrific Value! 41/2 Stars Sam Kim Promo $16.99
Corazan Syrah 2006 Talented local winemaker Shayne Cox made this very smart Syrah from his small vineyard at Oratia. Rich and spicy, it shows plenty of bright dark berry-fruit and nice earthy touches. Great alternative to Pinot Noir. Promo $24.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! 41/2 Stars James Halliday
Normally $31.99 Special $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 A vintage that is already proving to be a stellar one for many varieties including Pinot Noir. This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second tier label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Already has an enthusiastic following. Gold Medal & Trophy Top 100
Promo $27.99
Also
Pikes Luccio Sangiovese 2006 $18.99 94/100 James Halliday
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $20 Made by Tim Gramp
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2006 $13.99 Scotts Creek Shiraz $13.99 (Any Two for $25)
White Wines
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A richly textured Sauvignon Blanc, nothing thin about this wine, but still lively and refreshing on the palate with melon, lime and passionfruit flavours, finishing long and dry. Quite delicious! Gold Medal California
Normally $19.99 Special $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A single vineyard wine from the Awatere Valley , showing the distinctive herbaceous bouquet typical of that region. Finely balanced with fresh herbal, gooseberry and passionfruit flavours, it’s nice and punchy with good body, flavour depth and vibrancy. The winner of 7 Silver Medals including London International Wine Challenge 2008 Promo $18.99
TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 Quality fruit is the prerequisite for making Unoaked Chardonnay, and this Gisborne wine proves the point with its delicious fruit, creamy texture and overall balance that makes it such an appealing wine. Promo $15.99
Te Mania Estate Chardonnay 2007 A fruit driven Chardonnay, with a little influence from American and French Oak, adding interest to the ripe peach, nectarine and citrus flavours. A Chardonnay with plenty of character that works well with chicken and fish dishes.
Normally $19.99 Special $17.99
Also...
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 $18.99 Drinking superbly now, great value.
Forrest Estate Doctors Riesling 2007 $17.99 The perfect aperitif, only 8.5% alc.
Okahu Estate Chardonnay 2004 $24.99 Mature, creamy & buttery.
Cheers David
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Welcome and September Specials
Welcome to Milford Cellars' Blog!
We will hit the ground running with some great specials!
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.
Red Wines
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti, based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and good acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food and can easily handle strong flavoured cheeses.
Promo $16.99
Pikes “Dogwalk” Cabernet Merlot 2006 A lovely, rich full-flavoured Clare Valley red combining the vibrant dark-berry fruit flavours of ripe Cabernet with a small percentage of merlot adding complexity and softening influence. A wine to enjoy now, but with the quality to reward cellaring for several more years.
Normally $25.99 Special $22.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended!
Normally $31.99 Special $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 A vintage that is already proving to be a stellar one for many varieties including Pinot Noir. This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second tier label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Already has an enthusiastic following. Promo $27.99
White Wines
A reminder of three proven performers I have on regular Promotion that offer great drinking, quality and exceptional value. Catering for any social occasion keep these wines in mind!
TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 Quality fruit is the prerequisite for making Unoaked Chardonnay, and this Gisborne wine proves the point with its delicious fruit, creamy texture and overall balance that makes it such an appealing wine.
Promo $15.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 The continued popularity and positive feedback I get for this wine supports my claim that it is a clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish.
Promo $18.99
Forrest Estate Doctors Riesling 2007 The 2006 vintage of this wine was one of my biggest selling white wines which is surprising considering the general antagonism to Riesling wines and particularly one with a residual sugar of 35gm/litre. The secret is the wonderful bright acidity that brings perfect balance to this wine that is described by Michael Cooper, as like “biting into a Granny Smith apple”. With only 8.5% alcohol it’s easy to enjoy at anytime
Promo $17.99
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 Not currently on promo but one of my favourites, and off/dry for those with an aversion to anything to sweet. Citrusy with a mineral edge it’s delightfully refreshing and very easy drinking. Available at $16.99 on Promo.
Cheers David
We will hit the ground running with some great specials!
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.
Red Wines
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti, based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and good acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food and can easily handle strong flavoured cheeses.
Promo $16.99
Pikes “Dogwalk” Cabernet Merlot 2006 A lovely, rich full-flavoured Clare Valley red combining the vibrant dark-berry fruit flavours of ripe Cabernet with a small percentage of merlot adding complexity and softening influence. A wine to enjoy now, but with the quality to reward cellaring for several more years.
Normally $25.99 Special $22.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended!
Normally $31.99 Special $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 A vintage that is already proving to be a stellar one for many varieties including Pinot Noir. This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second tier label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Already has an enthusiastic following. Promo $27.99
White Wines
A reminder of three proven performers I have on regular Promotion that offer great drinking, quality and exceptional value. Catering for any social occasion keep these wines in mind!
TW Estate Chardonnay 2006 Quality fruit is the prerequisite for making Unoaked Chardonnay, and this Gisborne wine proves the point with its delicious fruit, creamy texture and overall balance that makes it such an appealing wine.
Promo $15.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 The continued popularity and positive feedback I get for this wine supports my claim that it is a clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish.
Promo $18.99
Forrest Estate Doctors Riesling 2007 The 2006 vintage of this wine was one of my biggest selling white wines which is surprising considering the general antagonism to Riesling wines and particularly one with a residual sugar of 35gm/litre. The secret is the wonderful bright acidity that brings perfect balance to this wine that is described by Michael Cooper, as like “biting into a Granny Smith apple”. With only 8.5% alcohol it’s easy to enjoy at anytime
Promo $17.99
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 Not currently on promo but one of my favourites, and off/dry for those with an aversion to anything to sweet. Citrusy with a mineral edge it’s delightfully refreshing and very easy drinking. Available at $16.99 on Promo.
Cheers David
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