Wines of the week archive
2007 Surveyor Thomson Central Otago Pinot Noir, NZ$42-$45
Posted 10 February 2012
Who would have thought the difference between a wine under screwcap and one under cork could be so pronounced? Well, actually, most New Zealand winemakers need no convincing of the fact that the taste difference is enormous. And having just sampled both, there is no doubt at all that the screwcapped version is far superior - it is the wine as the winemaker intended: fresh, bright, fruit driven but with savoury and earthy complexity that stretches the Pinosity out to a lingering finish. This is from the excellent 2007 vintage; yet another wine from that top year which is drinking beautifully now. Then again, those with wine cellars should save some too. Lovely Pinot Noir from Central Otago. By the way, this 'Thomson' is no relation to yours truly. www.surveyorthomson.co.nz
2011 Tigermoth Riesling, NZ$33 (posted 3 Feb 2012)
I'd like to say it's been a long time between drinks but the truth is that my tasting glass has rarely been empty over the past fortnight; thanks to this year's Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration in Queenstown where wines like this outstanding Riesling put its most luscious lime, lemon and citrus foot forward. Yes, it was a 'Pinot' celebration but Riesling is the great white highlight of the world's most southern wine region and this particular one has charm, balance and seductive drinkability, thanks to walking a tightrope of refreshing acidity and a just off-dry flavour. Well done winemaker, Malcolm Rees-Francis from Rockburn Wines. www.rockburn.co.nz
Wine of the week 21 January 2012
2009 Dogajolo Toscano
$25ish; a fabulous blend of 70% Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany; a lovely wine with gorgeous spicy flavours, which captures the mouths and minds of even those for whom red wine is just an occasional treat - as a bottle shared with family members over the 'silly season' (Xmas et al) proved a couple of weeks back. From Scenic Cellars in Taupo. It won't disappoint. www.carpineto.com
Wine of the week7 January 2012
1990 Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon
Talk about a fantastic taste of a 21 year old Loire Valley white wine; well, actually, amber coloured is more precise in the case of this well aged Chenin Blanc. It's a deliciously well evolved, apply old French white made from one of the world's greatest, most underrated grapes - Chenin Blanc, whose characteristic lemon, apple and honey flavours shine in this off dry wine.
Wine of the week 16 December 2011
2007 John Forrest Collection Chardonnay RRP $40-50 This is one of the best selling varietals from Forrest Estate and the 2007 is a new vintage, released this month in New Zealand; a full bodied white wine, it has undergone lots of lees stirring while the wine (100 per cent barrel) was aged in oak barriques. It still has a newness in taste, so will benefit hugely from being decanted a couple of hours before drinking. Its full body, savoury flavours and length make it a good Christmas Day white.
Wine of the week 12 December 2011
2010 Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir
From Marlborough's four iwi who own Tohu Wines comes this Marlborough red, which has surprising substance and full body; it has deep red cherry flavours, an intriguingly spicy mid palate and a lingering, silky, juicy finish... anyone in doubt about Marlborough's ability to be more than just a one tricky pony when it comes to wine need only try this to revise their views. www.tohuwines.co.nz
Wine of the week, 13 November
2007 Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle
Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand - from one of only two wineries that make methode traditionnelle; which is staggering since winemaker Rudi Bauer has proven just how well he makes - and Central Otago produces - wonderfully balanced, crisp bubbles that, dare I say it, emulates Champagne's fresh, zingy, drink-me qualities. This is 80% Chardonnay, 20 % Pinot Noir, bottled fermented and aged on lees for four years. www.quartzreef.co.nz
Wine of the week, 1 November 2011
2009 Cent'Are Nero d'Avola
This wine will convert every non believer that Sicily is home turf to one of Italy's and the world's great but little known red grapes, the venerable Nero d'Avola, which finds a silky smooth expression in this spicy, black cherry-like red; its makers at Duca di Castelmonte (owned by Marsala wine giant, Pellegrino) successfully marry subtle oak with ripe flavours of licorice and dark, spicy fruit. That it costs a mere $22 (NZ, that is) a bottle leaves few excuses not to try this top vino.
Wine of the week Friday 30 September 2011
2010 Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir
Talk about a wine which needs decanting; this is incredibly youthful Pinot Noir with bright 'new' flavours in each whiff of its cherry-like aroma. The staunch young acids suit food or early evening with slivers of your favourite blue cheese... best opened, decanted into a couple of large glasses, a jug or a decanter, and enjoyed after several hours of breathing. Try it and taste the wine before and after you have decanted it... viva la difference!
Wine of the mid-week Wednesday 14 September 2011
It only seems counter-intuitive to drink Italian vino in the Maldives if top Italian vino isn't already high on the list; for me, it always is. And a bottle of this wine relatively late-ish in the evening beckoned after an outstanding Greco di Tufo and a wonderful dessert wine from Austrian Josef Andert (more on that, later). The like-minded sommelier's description of this Brunello as coming into its own right now was accurate; while its velvety smoothness still indicates there are years left in this Brunello, its savoury, fresh earth aromas are seamlessly integrated. This was the perfect wine to drink under the full moon.
Wine of the week, 19 August 2011
2007 Ochoa Mil Gracias Graciano NZ$35-38
It's the unexpectedly staunch tannins that transport me to Italy in each sip of this single vineyard Spanish red from Navarra; its 13.5% alcohol sits beautifully with the Graciano grape's surprisingly complex flavours of black plums and an earthy, spicy, intriguingly multi-layered taste. If Nebbiolo is the greatest red grape in Italy (fun to debate) and if Pinot Noir is the greatest red grape in France (constantly debated), then let's hear it for Spain's almost forgotten Graciano grape. Smooth textured, powerfully flavoured, incredibly tannic but balanced... what more could one wish for in a top red drop at an unbelievably good price for this quality? Available in New Zealand from Casa Aragon, email: cat@casaaragon.co.nz
