The Script for the Doctors Tasting

The Doctors Remedy Methode Traditional 2005

The Doctors Riesling 8.5% Alc. 2009

The Doctors Arneis 2009

The Doctors Sauvignon Blanc 9.5% Alc. 2009

Directions Sniff well, then take a small mouthful and gently swill while sucking in a little air. Spit out or swallow.

Take on Friday 18^th Sept. or Saturday 19^th September

Follow up with a mouthful of The Valleys Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Take this medicine always in moderation

Cheers

Dr Dave

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

Queens Birthday Wine Specials

MILFORD CELLARS - A TRIO OF GREAT VALUE WINES TO ENJOY

Classy Gisborne Chardonnay-Superb drinking.
Echo Bay Chardonnay 2007 An alternative label to 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 stonefruit and fig flavours with a gentle seasoning of French oak. 5 Stars Cuisine Special Price $15.99
Save $5 to $6 off normal retail.

Full flavoured Spanish Red
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha (Grenache) 2007 From the mountains of Caranena in northeastern Spain this bright fruity red is made from 100% Grenache. Entirely tank fermented (no oak), it’s not a demanding red, but thoroughly enjoyable with smooth texture and pleasing varietal flavours.
Promo $15.99
Note The wineries premium Grenache, Castillo De Monseran Old Vines Garnacha 2006 is an outstanding wine and sells for $22.99

Big enough to handle a rich winter stew
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.
Normally $26 Promo $22.99
Watch the temperature of the bigger reds at this time of the year; they will often be to cold. About 18deg. is optimum.

Cheers David

May

As a young Veterinary graduate stationed at Te Hana just north of Wellsford in the early nineteen sixties, the Mangawhai district was part of the rural practice. Narrow gravel roads led to the sleepy township of Mangawhai comprising little more than a garage, hotel and smattering of batches. The surf beach and pristine estuary from which a few locals ventured out on fishing trips had yet to be discovered, and any thought of growing grapes for wine in the vicinity were years away, in fact almost 50 years. Steve and Chris tine Lay previously from the North Shore , have named their vineyard in King Road “Estuary Vineyard” and their first wine, the Estuary Chardonnay 2008 ($24.99) is a fitting tribute to that lovely stretch of water. Fermented and aged for 11 months entirely in new French oak barriques, it has a rich smooth texture, with flavours reminiscent of grapefruit and white peach nicely integrated with the savoury oak.

NZ wines stun Britain ’s biggest wine buffs British wine experts were left dumbstruck following a tasting held at NZ house featuring six Hawkes Bay reds from the 2005-6 vintage and six French Clarets (Bordeaux Reds) from 2005. A Report in the National Business Review quotes an article in the Daily Telegraph written by their wine writer Jonathon Ray who reported that none of the 30 UK wine masters, including Jancis Robinson, sommeliers, Wine Society buffs and wine journalists were told anything about the vintages they were sampling. When the scoring was collated the French reds took the first three places as well as fifth, the Kiwis fourth and sixth place. This looked a creditable showing drawing polite applause.
Then the bombshell, as the Telegraph put it, when it was revealed “who was playing in the Bordeaux team”. They included such prestigious labels as, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild selling at ($NZ2565) a bottle, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild ($NZ177) and Chateau Angelus ($775). Fifth spot went to Chateau Haut-Brion ($NZ1850).
The NZ plonk was somewhat more modestly priced, fourth place going to the Sacred Hill Helmsman at $NZ47 a bottle while Newton Forrest Cornerstone, costing $NZ39 came sixth.
Ray reported that the tasters were left open-mouthed with the sound of jaws crashing to the floor. “The result was astonishing, to say the least,” he wrote.

What’s Hot I haven’t noticed a big shift towards red wines as yet but as winter draws closer I am sure it is not far away. Two reds that have gained a very enthusiastic following recently are the Tim Gramp Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($26.99) and a new label from the Barossa Valley , Rocland Ducks & Goose Shiraz 2005 ($21.99) I highly recommend both these South Australian reds.
Subscribers to Cuisine Magazine may have noted the success in their annual Chardonnay tasting of an unfamiliar label. Lonestone Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 (see specials) is a label from Steve Bennett, Master of Wine and Matt Deller. Rated 5 Stars and judged the No 1 Best Buy, this is just one wine in a very impressive portfolio. Under the Lonestone label there is also a good value Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, but there are two other labels in the range.
The Discovery Point label includes two high quality wines made in a dry style, are ideal food wines and understandably grace the wine lists of several of our top restaurants. Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) and Discovery Point Dry Riesling 2008, ($22.99) are both sourced from high quality Marlborough fruit and have already received some glowing reviews.
The third label is the Onyx, which is their reserve range and includes a Chardonnay and a Merlot Cabernet. I thought the Onyx Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006 ($32) very good but the star wine for me was the Onyx Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 ($32). Outstanding!
This is a range of wines that warrants every discerning wine drinker’s attention, as not only do they deliver with exceptional quality, but also value for money.


MAY 2009 SPECIALS
Selected first for quality and sold at good value
Lonestone Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2007 An elegant stylish wine, but with underlying power and depth that placed it amongst the top labels in Cuisines recent Chardonnay tasting. Of the ten wines awarded 5 Stars in the tasting, nine were from the Bay, one from Gisborne, and all from the 2007 vintage, clearly a stellar year for Chardonnay.
5 Stars and No1 Best Buy Cuisine.
Promo $19.99
Domaine La Chapelle 2007 Made from the Carignan grape the most widely planted variety in France . The best Carignan Wines are considered to be sourced from the old vines of Corbieres as is this wine, being sourced from 50 year old vines. Carignan wines can be a little bland, but this medium bodied red has pleasant slightly earthy berry-fruit flavours, and is very easy drinking
Promo $16.99.
Rocland Duck’s & Goose Shiraz 2005 This small Barossa winery has been producing some high quality wines and clearly considerable imagination in naming them. This lovely rich wine has great depth and length of dark-berry, chocolate and mocha on the palate enhanced by silky tannins and nicely integrated oak. A classy shiraz already proving very popular.
Promo $21.99
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 by Tim Gramp A red that ticks all the boxes for
quality, drinkability and value. The plain label belies the quality and sheer drinkability of this well structured and focused red that has gained a big following. Tim Gramp has used top quality fruit in producing this wine, that shows with the classic lifted Cabernet fruit on the nose and the full, rich palate of mixed berries and spice, supported by balanced oak. Previously $20 now even better value at $17.99

Also 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

Cheers David

March Newsletter

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

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

Special three

THREE WINES EACH AT $15.99

Featuring these three classy wines which offer exceptional value.

Belmonte sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($15.99) A great little Sauvignon Blanc that oozes charm and sheer drinkability with its delicate flavours and clean refreshing palate. A hit when tasted last weekend in store, and rated by Michael Cooper in his latest Buyers Guide as a bargain.
A lovely summer drink. Highly recommended!

Kakapo Nelson Chardonnay 2005 ($15.99) 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!

Thomson Estate Old Pumphouse Shiraz 2007 ($15.99) 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