Preferring one wine over another comes down to personal taste much in the same way as we only eat the food that tastes best to us. For example, who likes the taste of a tomato? The important thing is, therefore, to base wine selection on that simple judgement. Famous English wine-taster Michael Broadbend  summed it up perfectly in his 'The approach to tasting' by stating: "If one can taste food, one can taste wine. Generally, what is good smells good; what smells 'off' and has a nasty taste is bad. I believe that this is the reason why most people are able, correctly, to judge that one wine is better than another - that elementary hedonistic judgement will accurately pin down the relative quality of the wines in question. However, saying why one is better than another is a different matter..."
The wines below are our preferred wines with some explanation as to why. During the course of any given month we taste enough wines to make those judgements, and we hope you will concur. Give them a try and see what you think. If you want my view on tomatoes then click here

Mount Brown Waipara Pinot Noir 2007

If you're a fan of Waipara Pinot Noir, like me, and enjoy the more earthy and herbal style that offers good concentration, balance and true varietal character then this one is well worth a try. To me this wine has 'terroir expression' with good structure and length. Best of all is the price on offer, but only while stocks last - Mount Brown is a small, family-owned vineyard operation and the grapes are all hand-harvested. At the orginal price of $25/btl I thought this was good value but this everyday drinking price will put a smile on your face while you're drinking it.

Our special price only $19.90/btl or just $17.90/btl on 12btl/case buys

Felton Road Pinot Point 2007

Felton Road needs no introduction on the score of quality. Their wines are now famous around the world and the vineyard/winery is now about to receive full certification for biodynamic production after a 7year conversion. Blair Walter is undoubtedly one of NZ's best winemakers and he continues to focus on increasing the quality. The 2008s are superb and getting good press. We have the 3 pinots available incl. Block 3 and Cornish Point and the Chardonnay. We also have some of the wonderful 2007s incl. the Pinot Noir, Block 1 Riesling and Block 2 Chardonnay. If you deserve to be drinking Central Otago's best then come and see us.

Torlesse Riesling 2008

Kym Rayner's wines at Torlesse keep getting better every vintage and his latest release of rielsing is a good example of a quality wine that's has slipped-in under the price radar. This wine offers zesty, fresh limes and grapefruit balanced against lively acidity and a hint of sweetness. The result is an apetite stimulating apertif style wine that delivers texture, complexity and good length. Or serve with spicy dishes or fish and it's brilliant with some cheeses, such as Swiss Gruyere, from the CC. Great value and very versatile. - notes by Kate Hide

RRP is only $16/btl. Our special price only $14.50/btl

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Cinque Passi Negroamaro 2007

A new-world style Italian wine from down in the heel of the boot, this wine is rich and generous on the palate with black plum, morello cherry, dark chocolate and earth all wrapped up together. With soft acidity and mellow, ripe tannins this wine is all too drinkable. This will make you forget these cold, winter nights and think of the sunny vineyard from where it's named Cinque Passi (5 paces from the Mediterranean). Brilliant to have with olives, salami and crusty bread. - notes by Kate Hide

RRP is $20/btl. Our value-for-money price only $17.90

Glasnevin Pinot Gris 2008

This first, new release of a small, new Waipara producer is beautifully crafted. On the nose is pears, apples and quince followed by a creamy texture with hints of vanilla and spice on the palate. The 9 months of ageing in French barriques is very subtle but adds texture and weight to this lovely off-dry wine.We also have a gorgeous riesling from the same producer. - notes by Kate Hide

RRP $28.50/btl. Our speical price only $25.50/btl.

Click here to go to our wine order form

Business Hours -
Hemingway Fine Wines:                   Monday & Tuesday 10.30am to 7pm 
                                                         Wednesday to Friday 10am to 7pm  
                                                         Saturday 10am to 7pm. Closed Sunday  
We freight wine all over NZ and most parts of the world.
Phone 374 3344. Fax 374 3343.
Ample parking at rear of building for use by HFWs after 5PM and on Saturdays.

The wine you drink is the wine you deserve