Reliable, affordable quality from the Clare Valley
What's that old adage about "best laid plans"?
Wine times
Why understate tastiness?
Why understate tastiness?
Inflation is very much in the news currently, but Mark Henderson also ponders ‘‘score inflation’’, with ever more wine scoring compressed into a 90-100-point band.
A fascinating trio of tasty pairs
A fascinating trio of tasty pairs
I’ve commented before that even though I taste wines blind, I do know the wines I’m tasting; just not in which order.
Later bloomers well worth revisiting
Later bloomers well worth revisiting
Regular readers will be aware that I taste and re-taste wines at my morning tastings and frequently go back to re-taste them again in the afternoon.
Stars align during riesling tasting
Stars align during riesling tasting
It's never a chore for me to taste a line up of Riesling as it is one of my favourite varieties.
Pinot Noir: despite my age I can sure pick ’em
Pinot Noir: despite my age I can sure pick ’em
I recently had the opportunity to whip up to Central for a few days’ grape picking, and I was mindful that around the country the same scene was being played out.
Adventurous ‘off the beaten track’ wine selection
Adventurous ‘off the beaten track’ wine selection
It is nice from time to time to stray off the beaten path, and dabble outside the core grape varieties that dominate our industry.
Revival of Irish whiskey welcome
Revival of Irish whiskey welcome
Having an Irish grandfather, Mark Henderson leapt at the opportunity to do a zoom Irish whiskey tasting recently.
Sparkling idea to support our local industry
Sparkling idea to support our local industry
Friday, March 25 marks the second Methode Marlborough Day, an opportunity to celebrate, while also supporting our local industry.
Sunshine in a glass
Sunshine in a glass
Before writing this, I was out early watering various plants in pots, admiring the surfeit of herbs, salad greens and vegetables that a combination of my labour and the summer sun (when it showed...
Kiwi, Aussie full-bodied reds very different wines
Kiwi, Aussie full-bodied reds very different wines
The second half of a double header of sorts as I’ve been tasting through a selection of fuller bodied reds, which seemed highly appropriate during the erratic weather of early February.
Ignore the inclement weather and crack open a red
Ignore the inclement weather and crack open a red
In mid February, I read a news report about weather patterns in Christchurch, stating that it had only received 15% of its usual sunshine hours in the first two weeks of the month, while also...
Dunedin gin gains gong at world awards
Dunedin gin gains a gong at World Drinks Awards
The results from the World Gin Awards have recently been released, part of the World Drinks Awards presented by TheDrinksReport. com.
You can never have too much of a good thing . . .
You can never have too much of a good thing . . .
I suspect that I’m among many in having phases when I get enthusiastic about a wine style or variety, and then after a period, feel the need for a change and shift on to something else.
A time to celebrate those salmon-coloured wines
A time to celebrate those salmon-coloured wines
The latter part of January saw the family off on a wee road trip around the South Island, kissed by glorious weather, and the opportunity to catch up with dear friends.
Out on a limb but making the world more interesting
Out on a limb but making the world more interesting
Human nature; we love to support the underdog, the "plucky", dogged types that challenge the norm.
Ready to provide the right note
Ready to provide the right note
Mark Henderson is enjoying savs this summer.
Gimblett Gravels dozen a delightful bunch
Gimblett Gravels dozen a delightful bunch
My annual peek at the Gimblett Gravels dozen is always something that I thoroughly look forward to.
Various styles of pinot noir
Various styles of pinot noir
There has been a restaurant trend in recent times to serve an ingredient in more than one form.
Classic trio used in production
Classic trio used in production
Methode Marlborough, established in 2013, now comprises 12 growers who work collaboratively to uphold and promote the quality and tradition of Marlborough methode traditionnelle wines.