New Releases December & Some Favourites From 2010

Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Brut 2005

Classy sophisticated wine, toasty nutty with nicely rounded citrus flavours and a long creamy finish. At its best now ready for any Christmas/New Year celebrations, about $40 in NZ.

Halo Hawkes Bay Syrah 2009

Made by Sacred Hill this is a gentle easy wine with white pepper and nutmeg aromas which carry through onto the palate, ripe tannins and nice spicy finish, about $25 in NZ.

Stoneleigh Marlborough Chardonnay 2009

This wine is a big hit in our house especially as it has been available on special most of the year. Ripe peachy fruit, subtle oak adds interest on the palate, every bottle is consistently good and at around $12.99 in NZ you could confidently buy a case and be very satisfied.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010

Floral spice and ripe pears are the dominant flavours, beautifully balanced wine, medium sweet with rich oily texture and a long sweet finish, about $26 in NZ.

Mitre Rocks Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008

Tasted back in June this was one of my favourite Pinot’s of the year, in fact I have just purchased some for Christmas. Smoky and savoury with concentrated ripe cherry and berry fruit, elegant and silky with loads of potential to develop further, about $42 in NZ.

Shooting Star Methode Traditionelle Sauvignon Blanc

The trend of this summer’s drinking could very well be centred on sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Many wineries have produced one in the last few months and this wine from specialist bubbly producers No 1 Family Estate is certainly one of the best. Crisp and lively with plenty of lemon/lime flavours and a sharp zingy finish, the bottle is beautifully presented with a classy silver and black label, about $22 in NZ.