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
