Milford Cellars June Newsletter

New labels, Genuine or Not?

New wineries are coming into production every year and with it new labels, but there are also a number of new labels that give no indication of the true origin of the wine, other than the region from which the wine was sourced. This lack of apparent ownership of the label is deliberate, in that it allows a winery or wine company to dispose of product without effecting there reputation when they have excess of low quality wine, such as the case with the mountain of dodgy 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

A winery decides to discount its wine often for cash flow reasons, but is aware of the long term consequences of devaluing their label. This is a Generic label.
Generic labels can offer great value; they are not common, although I suspect we will be seeing more of these labels in future.
The Echo Bay Gisborne Chardonnay 2007 which features in this months Specials is a generic label, which I rate “The Best Buy In Town”. Most have agreed with me.

Winter Warmers Last week, the Viva section of the Herald featured a full page article by their wine writer Jo Burzynska entitled “Warming Winter Wines”. For the next few days it seemed that every second customer was clutching a copy of Jo’s article in the expectation that I would stock his recommendations. Unfortunately they were to be disappointed and as usual in these instances nothing else would do. Not to be outdone, I’ve put together my selection of “Winter Warmers” which I suggest you print off and harass me with.
You will note that some of the wines are also at promotional pricing.

JUNE SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value.

Echo Bay Chardonnay 2007 A generic label of a premium Gisborne Chardonnay selling at considerable discount to it. A Chardonnay that consistently delivers and this 2007 vintage is possibly the best ever. Elegance is the defining character of this smooth textured supple wine, displaying lovely stone-fruit and fig flavours with a gentle seasoning of French oak.
5 Stars Cuisine Special Price $15.99 Save $5 to $6 off normal retail

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 A vineyard with a reputation for producing quality wines and this 2008 vintage savy is no exception. It’s a dry style with vibrant ripe herbaceous flavours and aromas of lemongrass, capsicum, and gooseberry. The palate is well rounded and full with good concentration leading to a crisp lively finish. 4 Stars Michael Cooper
Normally $21.99 Promo $18.99

Winter Warmers
Torlesse Waipara Gewurztraminer 2008 ($22.99)
You may wonder what a Gewurztraminer is doing here amongst the “Winter Warmers”, but the spicy character and high alcohol of a good Gewurztraminer particularly when partnered by the appropriate spicy Asian dish can work a treat on a cold winter’s night. Winemaker Kim Rayner responsible for this outstanding Gewurztraminer suggests trying it with a savoury Pumpkin soup. 5 Stars & No1 Cuisine.

Castillo de Monseran Old Vine Garnacha 2006 ($22.99)
This Spanish Grenache that I mentioned in my May Newsletter has already become a favourite with many. Sourced from low yielding fifty year plus vines, it’s a smooth, cuddly, richly flavoured red that only needs a cozy room and good company.

Newton Forrest Merlot 2006 ($29.99)
Possibly the ultimate in “Winter Warmers” with its spicy, dusty oak, juicy blackcurrant and chocolate, all set off by ripe fine-grained tannins. A majestic merlot from the Gimblett Gravels with concentration and finesse which could be many times this price had it originated from Bordeaux . Perfect with a lamb roast. 5 Stars & No 1 Cuisine

Rocland Duck’s and Goose Shiraz 2005 No lineup of “Winter Warmers” would be complete without a big Barossa Shiraz and this popular label more than fits the bill. Matured for 30 months in French and American oak it is certainly not short in the oak department, but has the weight of big ripe juicy Shiraz fruit along with lovely silky tannins to handle it. Stoke up the fire. 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $21.99 or 2 for $38

Onyx Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006
Only recently released, this new label from Master of Wine Steven Bennett and Matt Deller is claimed to offer all the intensity and complexity of other top Hawkes Bay labels, but at a more competitive price. Matured in high quality French oak following a lengthy masceration, the wine is tightly structured, powerful and full-bodied, with generous plum and cedarwood characters displaying pleasing richness and depth. A very smart red that would be great with rack of lamb.
Normally $32 Promo $24.99

Pauletts Clare Valley Cabernet Merlot 2005 A Classy red for a cold winter’s night. An 82/18 blend of Cabernet and Merlot that spent 18 months maturation in French Oak hogsheads prior to bottling. Now showing nice bottle age complexities to add to the rich plum and berry-fruit flavours. Pull out the casserole.
Normally $26 Promo $22.99

Also at Milford Cellars - while stocks last:
O-Tu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($21.99) Classical Awatere Valley style
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 ($18.99 or 2 for $35) Super drinking now
Scotts Creek Shiraz 2007 ($13.99 or 2 for $25) great drinking – top value
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ($17.99) Classy bottle aged South Aus. red

Keep Warm
Cheers David