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