Dino’s Vinous Highlights from 2008

Despite the incredible Waipara Rieslings of 2007 from the likes of  Muddy Water, The Crater Rim, Black Estate and Floating Mountain and the noticeable increase in quality and freshness from Italia with the likes of Bollini, Monte Del Fra and A-Mano there was one wine that really stood out for me......

 “White wine of the Year” 

Straw yellow. Powerful ,layered, aromatic nose ,herbaceous notes, green capsicum, grassy, pea-pod, blackcurrant, pineapple, blonde tobacco ,fine French oak. This is a wine with real strength of character, vibrant, lively fruit ,nice breadth mid-palate .Ample acidity and concentration to ensure a long  life. I loved this wine ,(warning -some guests may find this wine challenging, but it will get them talking!.)

Available at the shop for $29.90  (for a limited time)

When it comes to Red wine we were really  spoilt this year at Hemingway’s with some fantastic tastings,    Blair Walter showed us just how good the 2007 Otago Pinots’ are going to be with the Felton Road Estate, not to mention a trio of superb wines from the Calvert Vineyard,(Pyramid Valley,Craggy Range, Felton Road).Stephen Bennet  convinced us that Spain is the rising star of Europe with his “Great Wines of Spain Tasting”.Mike Weersing stunned us with his home Angel Flower and Earth Smoke Pinots’ from 06 (even thou he was desperate to get home ,and in to frost protection mode to ensure there will be some 09 for us to fight over).It was however earlier in the year when Andrew Parkinson took us on a Grand Wine Tour of Europe that I discovered my.....

“Red Wine of the Year”

It is rare to find a wine of such finesse and elegance for such a low cost. Aromatic floral nose with notes of stewed apricots, cherry ,vanilla, smoked meats ,pepper and warm earth. Ripe, soft and supple, with a lingering savoury finish .Brilliant!!

Available at the shop for $41.90  (for a limited time)