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!

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.

The Elections

After casting your vote you may like to drop in to Milford Cellars and check out these new releases.

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.