Autumnal turn beckons red wines
There is a new addition to the family at our place with the arrival of Dusty the rabbit.
Food & Wine
Chardonnay and friends
Chardonnay and friends
Time often creeps up on me and with the calendar having ticked into March, it’s a rude reminder that some of this week’s wines, tasted at the end of last year, are long overdue their moment in the...
Pinot plenty complex
Pinot plenty complex
At the end of January, I was delighted to take part in the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration.
Finally, rose weather!
Finally, rose weather!
Readers will well understand that this column has a deadline some days before publication.
Flavours to explore
Flavours to explore
The popularity of grape varieties has much to do with their flavours and intrinsic qualities, but another factor also comes into play - that of pronunciation.
The gems from 2017’s harvest
The gems from 2017’s harvest
As mentioned last week, the 2017 harvest proved to be a testing one. Viticulturists and winemakers dealt with significant rain events which damaged some crops in the lead-up to harvest.
Wine-makers overcome challenges
Wine-makers overcome challenges
I always look forward to the annual Gimblett Gravels Dozen selection. I approached the 2017 edition with added interest due to the reputation of the vintage.
2019’s savs are ready
2019’s savs are ready
Regular panellists Mr Collins and Mr McLaren each made resolutions of sorts in 2019 to dabble more widely in sauvignon blancs, seeking out a range of styles from the classically fresh and zesty, to...
Celebrating Central’s small labels
Celebrating Central’s small labels
As you read this, wine lovers, trade, media and people involved in all aspects of the industry (even yours truly) will be flocking to Queenstown for the 2020 Central Otago Pinot Celebration, which...
A dabble in pinot gris always worthwhile
A dabble in pinot gris always worthwhile
There seems no stopping the pinot gris juggernaut, writes Mark Henderson.
Looking to the rest of the summertime with rose tinted glasses
Looking to the rest of the summertime with rose tinted glasses
Returning from the Christmas-New Year break, I put some thought into the content that would go into my first column back.
Rose offers flavours to savour; books for Christmas
Rose offers flavours to savour; books for Christmas
As someone involved in wine and the written word, it will come as no surprise to you that I enjoy reading about wine. Here are three books that have crossed my path recently - Christmas present anyone?
Reaching for refreshing rieslings
Reaching for refreshing rieslings
I must admit to having been caught out once again this year, as Christmas came rushing headlong towards me, though I’m certain I’m not the only one in that boat!
Pinot noir fans well catered for
Pinot noir fans well catered for
The end of January will see winemakers, viticulturists and marketers, restaurateurs, importers, media and wine enthusiasts from around the world heading to Queenstown for the 2020 Pinot Noir...
Pinots to enjoy on a hot day
Pinots to enjoy on a hot day
I'm sure that most of you (other than those who had to work) remember fondly the startlingly warm weekend of 31-degree days that kicked off November.
NZ chardonnays doing splendidly
NZ chardonnays doing splendidly
I've been relishing my ongoing voyage through New Zealand chardonnays, yet I have a confession to make: as much as I enjoy chardonnay, I seem to forget to actually buy it to drink at home.
Undone doing the Blind Chicken
Undone doing the Blind Chicken
On a recent Sunday, 16 wine enthusiasts sat down to engage their brains and palates at the annual Blind Chicken wine-tasting competition.
Wine lovers head to Clyde
Wine lovers head to Clyde
Labour Weekend will see wine lovers flocking to Clyde for the annual Alexandra Basin Winegrowers New Releases Wine Tasting.
One to study
One to study
Today's assortment is a group of 2017 chardonnays.
Proof of a fine season
Proof of a fine season
Today's Pinot Noir were assembled over a number of tasting flights, but are compiled together for clarity, and reinforce my belief that 2017 will be ranked as one of the great vintages.
