Feb - last minute

“Folks, in the little moment that remains between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of champagne.” Paul Claudel (1868-1995)

Vintage 2008 It promised to be a vintage from heaven, with big crops and ideal summer ripening conditions, just what was required to satisfy the burgeoning international thirst for our sauvignon Blanc. But the anticipated bonanza quickly turned to despair for many companies when persistent rain set in as vintage began, exacerbated in many instances by insufficient capacity to handle the huge crops. (60% up on the record 2007 vintage in Marlborough ) It’s not surprising that the quality of the 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc’s is highly variable with a large number of very average wines and some real shockers, which will severely tarnish our image should exporting wine companies choose to release them overseas. As a wine journalist recently suggested they should be tipped rather than sipped. It is rumoured that a major wine company is proposing to do just that, in seeking resource consent to spill 2 million litres. By my calculations that’s about 250,000 cases.
But it’s not all bad; there are some stunning examples from wineries whose conservative cropping levels and focus on quality had their vintage safely in the winery before the rains arrived. On promo this month are two such wines which are clearly up with the best. The black label O-TU Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($21.99) from Marlborough ’s Awatere Valley is stunning, while the Belmonte Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($15.99) which I recently tasted in store is highly appealing and fantastic value. (See Specials)
For those who fancy a good Gewurztraminer give the Torlesse Waipara Gewurztraminer 2008 ($22.99) a try, a lovely wine, a little dryer than many, it joins the handful of top quality aromatics of this variety on my shelves. Try it with a bit of Thai.
If you named your label Remarkable Wines most New Zealanders would associate the label with Central Otago, and they would be correct, but few would have heard off the Remarkable Pinot Noir 2006 ($39.99) or its trophy winning exploits at the 2008 IWSC in London .
Sparkling Shiraz wines have a big following in Australia but Kiwis seem to prefer sparkling white styles. The Doctors Bubbles for Beth 2005 ($29.99) is the first New Zealand wine of this style, a genuine vintage Methode Traditionelle produced from Syrah and Malbec. It’s a high quality wine like others in The Doctors Range, quite a taste sensation for those adventurous enough, to think and drink beyond the square. Try it at this weekends tasting.
Tastings As most of you are aware I have previously held one tasting on a set weekend every month tasting usually 6 wines. Recently I have tasted just two wines every weekend, and this appears to be more popular, although I still propose to have larger more formal tastings when the opportunity arises.

FEBRUARY 2009 SPECIALS

Selected first for quality and sold at good value

White Wines

Belmonte sauvignon Blanc 2008 A great little Sauvignon Blanc that oozes charm and sheer drinkability with its delicate flavours and clean refreshing palate. A hit when tasted recently in store, and rated by Michael Cooper in his latest Buyers Guide as a bargain.
A lovely Sauvignon Blanc for summer. 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

Kakapo Nelson Chardonnay 2005 A very small production wine, hand picked and given nine months oak maturation and partial malolactic fermentation, it is now showing some nice bottle age characters. Pale yellow with butterscotch and citrus flavours it has a nice creamy texture but is still fresh and vibrant. Recommended!
Normally $18.99 Promo $15.99

Red Wines

Thomson Estate Old Pumphouse Shiraz 2007 Maybe better suited for the cooler months down the track, but a very smart South Australian Shiraz. A big brooding wine on the nose, with a rich smooth mid-weight palate of ripe dark berry-fruits and spice, finishing long and warm. Gold Medal Adelaide , 4 Stars Winestate
Promo $15.99

TW Estate Merlot 2007 From the companies Gisborne vineyard this generous red is still quite youthful, with firm, ripe, grainy tannins supporting the vibrant dark plum and spice flavours. Likely to be a little to dry for some, it should appeal to Cabernet drinkers. I thought it was great, and clearly has good cellaring potential.
Normally $24.00 Promo $19.99

Chateaux Vieux Manoir 2003 Bordeaux 2003 was an early developing vintage across Bordeaux and this Cabernet dominant blend is drinking well. Berryfruit and cedary oak on the nose follows through to the palate where there are also underlying savoury notes. Nice, fine tannins provide a hint of grip on the persistent finish.
Promo $19.99

Also available on promo while stocks last:
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 ($24.99) two Gold Medals
Boreham Wood sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($19.99) 5 Stars Cuisine
Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 (29.99) 5 Stars Cuisine
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($19.99) Top Drop