Christmas 2009

It’s that time of the year when you may be contemplating wine as corporate or Chris tmas Gifts. Selecting suitable wines is not always easy, but is something I believe I can help with, so please keep me in mind.
As I have spoken previously the 2008 vintage was a difficult one in several of our wine growing regions and with the vintage being so big there is plenty of dodgy plonk around that is expensive even at half price. Equally there are some very good buys with some wineries under considerable financial pressure and needing cash flow.
Worth Considering Wines I can highly recommend.

Red Wines
Tasted in store recently, Trentham Estate Petit Verdot 2008.($22.99) simply oozes charm with amazing fruit intensity and all-round drinkability. Back to top form is the Willows Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005 ($33.99) a recent Gold Medal Winner drinking well now, but also good cellaring potential. Morambro Creek Padthaway Shiraz 2007 ($27.99) has now won 4 Gold Medals since I recommended it a few months ago. Classy!

The reported success of Gimblett Gravel reds in the London tasting against First Growth Bordeaux reds, has generated considerable interest in these wines. As most of you are aware I am enthusiastic about the reds from the Newton Forrest Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett gravels. Why? Because they consistently deliver on quality (not made in poor vintages eg. 2003 and 2008), have a proven record to age magnificently and provide luxurious drinking as they mature. Following success at the recent Air NZ Wine Show the winery has released a small quantity of the Newton Forrest Cornerstone 2007. Clearly an outstanding vintage and with no 2008 it could be long time between drinks. The vineyards second label, Newton Forrest Stony Corner 2007 is exceptional value. (see specials) I believe I underestimated the appeal of this wine initially based on the positive feedback I am now receiving. Also from the Cornerstone Vineyard, the aristocratic John Forrest Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is still available. A great wine!

If it is Pinot Noir and it’s not from Central Otago then many don’t want to know, but overlook this Nelson Pinot at your peril. Woollaston Estates Nelson Pinot Noir 2006 is great drinking and a bargain. (See specials). If it has to be from Central Otago then Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2008($31.99) from Alexandra, one of the most southerly vineyards in the world is very smart with a host of recent major awards and accolades.
Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2006 ($45), Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007 ($40) and Domain Road Pinot Noir 2007 ($37) offer great drinking now, the trio sharing the best part of 20 gold medal awards.
I believe I have one of the best ranges of top quality Pinot Noir currently available, mostly 2006, 2007 vintage wines, so they are ripe for drinking.

White Wines
Gewurztraminer is a variety that only a few NZ vineyards produce, but some are world class. Johanneshof Cellars Gewurztraminer ($30) is consistently one of our best and the current 2009 vintage is no exception, a Trophy winner at the Air NZ Awards. Askerne Gewurztraminer 2007 ($22) with five Gold Medals is another great value wine.
In contrast, Pinot Gris is now widely planted but there is a huge variation in quality. I was so impressed with the Charles Wiffen Pinot Gris 2009 recently released, that I have opted to run with it on Promo for December. (see specials) From Renwick in the Wairau Valley , the much awarded Gibston Bridge Reserve Pinot Gris 2007 ($26.99) is smoothly textured and very appealing, while Tatty Bogler Pinot Gris 2008 ($30) from Otago, is also very classy and a favourite of those in the know.
While on the subject of aromatic wines the Doctors Riesling is up to its tricks again, with the Doctors Riesling 2009($21.99) winning the Trophy for Champion White Wine at the Air NZ Wine Awards. The whole Doctors range is more than just a quirky label.
One could be excused for giving up on the plethora of 2008 vintage Sauvignon Blanc labels on the market, when discovering the actual origin of the label can be more stimulating than the wine in the bottle. The 2009 vintage wines appear more promising and two from the Awatere Valley I have chosen here are top class, already having good followings. From Blind River Vineyard The Sisters Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (see specials) and Forrest Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($22.99) are both typical of the best of the regions style, which many Sauvignon Blanc drinkers have come to appreciate. Both 5 Star Rated. Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($22) with 7% barrel fermented fruit, won the Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the Air NZ Awards.

Promotional pricing on Dog Point Chardonnay 2007($33.99), TW Reserve Chardonnay 2007(see specials) and Kaimira Brightwater Chardonnay 2006 ($22.99) makes for very attractive buying of these premium Chardonnay labels. All three have the added bonus of a little bottle age.
XMAS SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value

Bubbles A carefully selected range of the best quality NZ and imported bubbles, without forking out Champagne Prices. Perfect for the festive season.

Four Sisters Pinot Chardonnay NV Highly regarded Victorian Methode Traditionnelle.
4 Stars and best buy Cuisine 2008 Promo $15.99
Villa Jolanda Prosecco Brut NV Italian bubbles, light and fruity, with a refreshing dry finish. Promo $19.99
Nobilo Methode Traditionnelle 2005 Now widely regarded as one of the best value NZ bubbles available. 5 Stars Cuisine 2008 Promo $22.99 or 2 for $40
Doctors Remedy Methode Traditionelle 2005 Sealed with a crown seal which guarantees the bubbles freshness. Full flavoured and dry. Promo $32.99
Johanneshof Cellars Emmi Methode Traditionnelle NV Perhaps no Kiwi Methode is more
traditional than the Emmi. Very elegant! Promo $36

Aromatic Wines
Charles Wiffen Pinot Gris 2009 Intensely varietal, full-bodied and fresh, with a touch of spice. Classy! Promo $21.99
Orinoco Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Wonderful depth of citrus and lime flavours. Crisp, dry and very refreshing Promo $15.99
Mount Fishtail Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Second label of the Konrad Winery that has proved to be very popular. Promo $14.99
The Sisters Single Vineyard Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Classical Awatere style. 5 Stars and top 10 Cuisine. Promo $19.99
Chardonnay
Mount George White Wire 2008 Predominant Chardonnay blend that tastes great. Unoaked. 4 Stars and best buy Cuisine. Promo $14.99 or 6 at $12.99/bottle
Mt Hector Chardonnay 2007 Reasonably weighty, creamy textured lightly oaked Hawkes Bay Chardonnay. Great value! Promo $14.99 or 6 at $12.99/bottle
Kaimira Brightwater Chardonnay 2006 Highly recommended, particularly for those who prefer a little bottle maturity in their Chardonnay. Promo $22.99
TW Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2007 One of the top Chardonnays from a great vintage. Hard to beat! Promo $26.99 or six at $25/bottle
Pinot Noir
Te Mania Nelson Pinot Noir 2008 Not my biggest selling Pinot by chance.
Silver Medal Royal Easter Show 2009 Promo $21.99 or two for $38
Woollaston Pinot Noir 2006 Very classy silky textured Nelson Pinot.
Normally $35. Promo $25
Kiritea Martinborough Pinot Noir 2008 Rich, bold fruit, silky textured with nice savoury complexity. Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $22.99
Paritua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 Mouth-filling and supple with generous berry-fruit and a touch of spice. Promo $27.99
Other Reds
Trentham La Famiglia Nebbiolo 2004 Classical Italian grape variety. Medium bodied, complex, savoury and a little spicy, dry and long. Promo $16.99
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha 2007 lovely ripe fruited Spanish Grenache. Could lightly chill to have as an aperitif. Promo $16.99
Alexia Merlot 2007 by Jane Cooper Powerful, richly flavoured Hawkes Bay red that won’t leave you wondering. Promo $17.99
Rockland Ducks & Goose Shiraz 2005 Big, bold, juicy Barossa Valley Shiraz.
4 Stars Cuisine. Promo $21.99
Newton Forrest Stony Corner 2007 Second label of the Cornerstone 2007. Rich, concentrated, high quality Gimblett Gravels Red. Promo $24.99

Remember the optimum drinking temperature for red wine is in the range of 14 to 18deg C. Lighter styles such as pinot Noir at the lower end, heavier wines at the upper end of the range.

With that last little bit of wisdom, may we extend to you all our best wishes for a safe and enjoyable festive season.
Dianna & David
Milford Cellars