Deep ruby-purple colour, spicy, red berry nose, medium-bodied, soft and fruity with cocoa-like notes; simple and easy drinking with soft tannins.
Lovely fresh floral, green herbal and ripe dark fruit, together with subtle forest-floor aromas, yield to sweet ripe berry-fruit supported by soft tannins and an interesting herbal note. Easy-to-like fruit-driven style.
Mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a dash of Sémillon. Citrus, lime, gooseberry, apricot and herbs come together in this crisp and elegant wine. Seared scallops all the way.
This Merlot (37%), Cab Sauv (35%), Cab Franc (16%), Malbec (12%) blend embodies Bordeaux varietal potential in this NZ region. Deep black currant aromas and rich black fruit flavours complement well-balanced palate and cedar-spiced finish. A go-to choice for red meats.
Lovely matchstick and flint leads out this Pernand-Vergelesses, from Clos du Moulin aux Moines, started by monks in the 10th Century, and purchased most recently by the Andrieu family in 2008, who have converted the farming to biodynamic. The youngest vines in Les Combottes vineyard are around 40 years old, sloping off Corton Charlemagne, with similar soils (white marl on clay-limestone). The wines are lifted with mineral salts, lemon blossom and pine nuts, very well grounded by a bed of lees. A finessed beauty now, and will cellar very well in the short and longer term.
This is a new product from the historic Madeira house of Blandy's, and a daring one at that. Breaking from an exclusive monovarietal tradition, this modern Madeira is a 50/50 blend of Malvasia and Bual, aged in the traditional cask-and-loft canteiro system for 5 years. Potent fruitcake, rancio notes, aged wood, sugared plums and maple syrup coat the round and juicy palate, thankfully lifted with a lime marmalade cut and carried by a smoothed, sweet mid to a fiery, orange-oil finish. Ideal for cocktails. This is ready to drink now, particularly if you're looking for an alternative to youthful tawny Port or sweeter Oloroso (and in a pocketable 200 ml size).
Elegant and complex with a rich touch of yeastiness, refined, gentle bubbles, creamy texture, black cherry, citrus, ginger spice and a hint of bitter almond on the long, lingering, lifted finish. A great alternative to Champagne.