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

Christmas gift ideas and something for the day

XMAS NEWSLETTER DEC. 2008

My last newsletter of the year and with Xmas only two weeks away spare a little time to peruse a sample of my offerings for the festive season ahead. Included is a comprehensive range of wines at promotional pricing, and a list, by no means complete, of some of the outstanding premium wines I have in stock. Look out for a fantastic 10yr old Gimblett Road Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding 1998 Hawkes Bay vintage. (See below)

GIFT WRAPPING Once again I have some attractive gift wrapping options free of charge, but would appreciate a little warning or time if you have a number of bottles to be wrapped.

BOUTIQUE NZ BEERS I now stock a wide range of beers from Boutique NZ Breweries. Gift packs of these beers make an excellent gift for that hard to buy for man.

PREMIUM WINE RECOMMENDATIONS single vineyard wines that clearly rate amongst the best of their variety from the better vintages.
Forrest Wines Doctors Range You will love the new labeling and the quality wines to match, just three in the range including two recent trophy winners.
Doctors Noble Chenin Blanc 2008 ($24.99) Gold Medal & Trophy Air NZ Awards 2008
Doctors Riesling 2008 ($21.99) Gold Medal & Trophy Air NZ Awards 2008
Doctors Bubbles for Beth 2005 ($29.99) Methode Traditional from Syrah and Grenache,
Johanneshof Gewurztraminer 2008 ($29.99) and Johanneshof Pinot Gris Medium 2007 ($29.99) High quality multiple award winning wines.
The Fiddlers Green Wines may not be household names, nor the wonderful sailor’s tale from which the name originated be known, but the wines produced from this Waipara Vineyard are worthy of recognition. Fiddlers Green Chardonnay 2006 ($34.99) and Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) are of high quality as is the classical Fiddlers Green Pinot Noir 2004 ($39.99).
One of New Zealand ’s Iconic labels is the Martinborough Ata Rangi vineyard Pinot Noir, widely regarded as one of NZ great wines. Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2006 ($75). Is a wine of compelling depth and complexity.
The John Forrest Collection The quality of this range of superb wines from low yielding mainly older vines is now well documented, while the equally impressive reds from the Gimblett Gravels under the Newton Forrest Label offer great value. I have the complete range of these wines to choose from.

FROM THE CELLAR
Newton Forrest Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 A classic example of Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon that has stood the test of time. One of the top rated wines of the 1998 Hawkes Bay vintage, still amazingly youthful, bright purple in colour and offering superb drinking over the next year or two. A special wine, exclusive to Milford Cellars . Normally $55 Special $40 . .

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

SPARKLING WINES:
Beacon Hill NV Brut Cuvee An easy drinking style with fresh fruity flavours, soft and mouth-filling. $13.99 or Two for $25
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle NV From Central Otago this latest release is a blend of Pinot Noir 62% and Chardonnay 38%. A rich, easy drinking style regarded as one of our best Methode Traditionnelle bubbles. DRY
Promo $28.99
Cuvee No 1 NV Being made from 100% Marlborough Chardonnay this is a classic blanc de blancs style Champagne made by Daniel Le Brun. The winner of many international awards it’s clearly one of NZ best bubbles. DRY. Promo $39.99 Case Price $38.99/bot

SAUVIGNON BLANC:
Bishops Head Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 An easy drinking style with good depth of flavour and smooth barrel fermentation characters adding complexity.
Promo $14.99 or Two for $28
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Premium “Savy” at its best now, as two recent Gold Medal awards confirm. Weighty, finely balanced with delicious melon, lime and passionfruit flavours it offers exceptional value. Gold Medal California , Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov.08 Promo $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A classical Awatere valley style with typical cool climate herbaceous aromas and herbal gooseberry, passionfruit flavours. A vibrant lively wine with pleasing texture and weight, it’s been the bridesmaid on seven occasions with seven silver medals. 5 Stars Cuisine (Dec08) Promo $18.99
Omaka Springs Falveys Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A small percentage of Semillon contributes to this wines punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, while a sliver of sweetness balanced by racy acidity adds appeal to this very popular single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Promo $19.99

AROMATICS
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 A lovely example of this aristocratic variety, the perfect partner to summer salads and fresh fish meals with its juicy citrus flavours and minerally edge. An off/dry style with a refreshing crisp finish. Promo $16.99
Forrest Doctors Riesling 2007 Made in a Germanic Style with only 8.5% alcohol and a touch of residual sweetness this highly awarded label continues to grow in popularity. The perfect aperitif or luncheon wine, deliciously refreshing, lively, light and very long. Promo $17.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 Very popular and clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish .Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $18.99

CHARDONNAY
TW Estate Chardonnay 2007 Just released, and another very good vintage of this great value unoaked Chardonnay. Full-bodied with ripe citrus and melon flavours, it shows a slight creamy/ buttery texture from having had a degree of malolactic fermentation.
Promo $15.99
Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Chardonnay The Limeworks SV 2006 The fruit for this lovely Chardonnay is all sourced from the one company vineyard on the limestone hills just out of Havelock North. A beautifully balanced wine showing perfect integration of fruit and oak. Highly Recommended! Promo $21.99
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 Another single vineyard Chardonnay grown at Patutahi in Gisborne. Fermented in French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation, it’s weighty and creamy textured with excellent flavour depth. Gold Medal Top 100 Sept. 2008; Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov. 2008 Promo $24.99

RED WINES
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Wonderful vibrant fruit- top value! Gold Medal & Trophy top 100; 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $27.99
Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 Another second label, the quirky name celebrating the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. A wonderful seamless expression of Pinot Noir from this Cromwell winery that is fast acquiring a big reputation. 5 Stars & top 10 Cuisine Promo $28.99
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2007 & Scotts Creek Shiraz 2007 Two South Australian reds that deliver plenty of smooth easy drinking, without added residual sugar prevalent in many commercial Australian Reds. Both are weighty wines with good varietal flavours, the Scotts Creek being the spicier of the two. $13.99 or two for $25
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 The quality and structure of this Shiraz belies its modest price and you would be hard pressed to find its equal in this price range. Lovely berry-fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Highly recommended! 4½ Stars Sam Kim.
Promo $16.99
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and solid acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food around the BBQ. Promo $15.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A lovely Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! Promo $27.99
Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 From the Tim Gramp Vineyard in the Clare Valley a lovely Cabernet, rich and supple with lush complex savoury berry-fruit flavours which linger on a long finish. Highly Recommended ! Promo $20

Also at Promotional Pricing:
Beacon Hill Cuvee NV $13.99 or Two for $25 Kaimira Nelson Chardonnay 2006 $15.99
Thomson Toolunka Flat Cabernet 2006 $15.99 Pikes “Luccio” Sangiovese 2006 $18.99

Finally, a special wish to all of you for a safe and happy festive season.
Cheers David and Dianna

November

A little tongue in the cheek.
“Well ya see Norm, it’s like this…A herd of Buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest Buffalo . And when a herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back of the herd that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol as we know kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of alcohol eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
That’s why you always feel smarter after a few drinks!”
Cliff Clavin

Air NZ Wine Awards These awards are the last in the 2008 round of Wine Shows and for many because of their long history feature as the most important event on our Wine Show calendar. Two wines that feature in my Xmas promotions impressed the judges receiving Gold Medal Awards. The Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 won its second Gold after previously having impressed the judging panel at the Liquorland top 100. In the Sauvignon Blanc section the Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was the solitary wine from the 2007 vintage to receive Gold, the others all being from the 2008 wines. I have always believed that this wine is at its best a good year after vintage when many other Sauvignon’s are beginning to loose there vibrancy.

New Releases Tasting The recent tasting of some of the new vintage releases available certainly went down well. The Wooing Tree Beetle Juice 2007 ($28.99) is what most love about Central Otago Pinot Noir, while the lovely highly aromatic Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2008 ($28.99) pressed all the right buttons. The distinctly cool climate Waipara Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($22.99) shows that Marlborough does not hold a mortgage on Sauvignon Blanc, and received an enthusiastic response. The new 2007 vintage of the TW Estate Chardonnay ($15.99) lived up to my expectations as a worthy successor to the hugely popular 2006 vintage of this wine. Another top vintage and great value at this promotional price.

NOVEMBER SPECIALS
At this stage I have not arranged my complete list of wines for the Xmas Promotion but the following will feature pending availability. The full list will be available in my December Newsletter.

SPARKLING WINES:
Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle NV From Central Otago this latest release was recently disgorged and is a blend of Pinot Noir 62% and Chardonnay 38%. A rich, easy drinking style regarded as one of our best Methode Traditionnelle bubbles. DRY
Promo $28.99
Cuvee No 1 NV Being made from 100% Marlborough Chardonnay this is a classic blanc de blancs style Champagne made by Daniel Le Brun. The winner of many awards it’s clearly one of NZ best bubbles. DRY. Promo $39.99 Case Price $38.99/bot

SAUVIGNON BLANC:
Bishops Head Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007 An easy drinking style with good depth of flavour and a hint of oak adding complexity from partial barrel fermentation.
Promo $14.99
Forrest Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Premium “Savy” at its best now, as two recent Gold Medal awards confirm. Weighty, finely balanced with delicious melon, lime and passionfruit flavours it offers exceptional value. Gold Medal California , Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov.08 Promo $17.99
Boreham Wood Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A classical Awatere valley style with typical cool climate herbaceous aromas and herbal gooseberry, passionfruit flavours. A vibrant lively wine with pleasing texture and weight, it’s been the bridesmaid on seven occasions with seven silver medals. Promo $18.99
Omaka Springs Falveys Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A small percentage of Semillon contributes to this wines punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, while a sliver of sweetness balanced by racy acidity adds appeal to this very popular single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Promo $19.99

AROMATICS
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2007 A lovely example of this aristocratic variety, the perfect partner to summer salads and fresh fish meals with its juicy citrus flavours and minerally edge. An off/dry style with a refreshing crisp finish. Promo $16.99
Forrest Doctors Riesling 2007 Made in a Germanic Style with only 8.5% alcohol and a touch of residual sweetness this highly awarded label continues to grow in popularity. The perfect aperitif or luncheon wine, deliciously refreshing, lively and light. Promo $17.99
Cape Campbell Pinot Gris 2007 Very popular and clearly one of the best sub $20 Pinot Gris wines on the market. Moderately concentrated with citrus, pear and apricot characters it’s nice and fresh, with a smooth off/dry finish .Silver Medal NZIWS Promo $18.99

CHARDONNAY
TW Estate Chardonnay 2007 Just released, and another very good vintage of this great value unoaked Chardonnay. Full-bodied with ripe citrus and melon flavours, it shows a slight creamy/ buttery texture from having had a degree of malolactic fermentation.
Promo $15.99
Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Chardonnay The Limeworks SV 2006 The fruit for this lovely Chardonnay is all sourced from the one company vineyard on the limestone hills just out of Havelock North. A beautifully balanced wine showing perfect integration of outstanding fruit with judicious use of oak. Highly Recommended! Promo $21.99
Brunton Road Chardonnay 2007 Another single vineyard Chardonnay this grown at Patutahi in Gisborne. Fermented in French and American oak with full malolactic fermentation, it’s weighty, peachy and creamy textured, with toasty oak and excellent flavour depth. Gold Medal Top 100 Sept. 2008; Gold Medal Air NZ Awards Nov. 2008 Promo $24.99

RED WINES
Beacon Hill Shiraz 2006 & Scotts Creek Shiraz 2006 Two South Australian reds that deliver plenty of smooth easy drinking, without added residual sugar prevalent in many commercial Australian Reds. Both are weighty wines with good varietal flavours, the Scotts Creek being the spicier of the two. $13.99 or two for $25
Beresford Highwood Shiraz 2006 The quality and structure of this Shiraz belies its modest price and you would be hard pressed to find its equal in this price range. Lovely berry-fruit, chocolate and spice flavours. Highly recommended! 4½ Stars Sam Kim.
Promo $16.99
Fontella Chianti DOC 2007 Traditional Chianti, based predominantly on Sangiovese grapes with its delicious cherry and berry-fruit flavours and solid acid spine. Still quite youthful, this is ideally a wine to be enjoyed with food and can easily handle strong flavoured cheeses.
Promo $15.99
Irvine Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005 A lovely Bordeaux style blend combining the best of Eden Valley Merlot with its rich plumy characters and the violet-like florals of Cabernet Franc. A special wine that will have wide appeal and offers terrific value. Highly Recommended! Promo $27.99
Alex Gold Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 This Central Otago Pinot from the Alexandra Wine Company is their second label but offers quality in keeping with more expensive top labels. Wonderful vibrant fruit- top value! Gold Medal & Trophy top 100; 4 Stars Cuisine Promo $27.99 Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 Another second label, the quirky name celebrating the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. A wonderful seamless expression of pinot noir from this Cromwell winery that is fast acquiring a big reputation. 5 Stars & top 10 Cuisine Promo $28.99

Also at Promotional Pricing:
Beacon Hill Cuvee NV $13.99 or Two for $25 Kaimira Nelson Chardonnay 2006 $15.99
Thomson Toolunka Flat Cabernet 2004 $15.99 Pikes “Luccio” Sangiovese 2006 $18.99

Cheers!

Something to go nicely with that weather

Looks like summer has arrived. Drop into Milford Cellars for something to sip on as the sun goes down.

The Elections

After casting your vote you may like to drop in to Milford Cellars and check out these new releases.

THE LINE UP:

• Bald Hills Pinot Gris 2008 no mistaking the pedigree if this Central Otago aromatic.
• Wooing Tree Vineyard Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2007 polished-seamless-concentrated. 5 Stars Cuisine.
• Fiddlers Green Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Lovely fruited cool-climate style.
• Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 by Tim Gramp not a new release but essential tasting for those who haven’t.

Wines Available for tasting Friday 7th Nov. 5pm to 8pm, Saturday 8th Nov. 10am to 8pm
Please Note that due to unforeseen circumstances the John Forrest Collection Tasting has been rescheduled for 7pm Wednesday the 26th of November. If you are able to make it on this date I still have tickets available.