New Zealand wine is definitely on the improve. The Ostler Pinot Gris (below) is a good example. We have been seeing more and more higher quality wines with each vintage and the recent shift in the dollar has made imported wines more expensive. However, there are still some very good buys to be had with the imported wines - the two Montes wines below (Argentina) are in that category along with our extensive selection of inexpensive Spanish and Italian. Check out all our recommendations below and if you're free for a tasting of Champagne next Thursday then click here for more info. We are open closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but open on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday (1pm to 6pm). Have a great Easter.

Wine of the Month - April

Ostler Audrey's Pinot Gris 2008

Have you ever noticed that really good wines develop in the glass? It's true, because very good wines have a level of concentration that allows them to develop after they 'hit air.' Hitting air opens them up like a rosebud in summer and this wine is very much in that sphere; it's dry but rich at the same time, exuding lavender/floral notes on the nose while the palate reveals tropical notes - pear, passionfruit, ginger and spice. This wine is layered with those characters, and complex. Most of all it has what every pinot gris needs but most don't have - texture - because pinot gris is only semi-aromatic and needs mouthfeel. Ostler should be very proud of this wine, and we have no doubt they are!

RRP $35.50. Your special price for this wine experience, $31.50/btl

Montes Classic Series Merlot 2007

I'm inclined to agree with sentiments about Merlot in the film 'Sideways' but this Chilian version is very much the exception. This one has character - spicy, black pepper, good palate weight, balanced and harmonius. With the Merlot it has 15% Cab Sav and this provides a firm tannin structure making it great with food and giving ageability. RRP is $23/btl. Our special price to you only $19.50/btl, case buys $228

                                            Montes Classic Series Malbec 2007

More famous for their Malbec, this wine is rich, plummy, dark and powerful with full mid-palate and long finish. Also spicy with vanillian notes from lengthy ageing in American oak. Highly recommended as, like the Merlot, you get fantastic value-for-money from this bottle. RRP is $23, out great price $19.50/btl, case buys $228.

Muddy Water Deliverance 2008

Deliverance will make you squeal with delight (not like a pig!). Unpretentious in style, this wine has lifted aromatics of pepper, spice and almond nut cookies while the palate reveals a harmonius balance of bitter chocolate, blackberries and brambly overtones - due to the dominance of Pinotage we think. The label mask 'Red Table Wine' does an injustice to the wine's quality. RRP $21. Your special price only $17.90/btl.

                                     Bishop's Head Reserve Pinot Noir 2006

Serious Waipara pinot noir that exudes dark, ripe berry fruit characters with a finely balanced structure of acidity and firm tannins. This is further evidence of the quality of a lesser known Waipara pinot, very reasonably priced, that will reward cellaring.  This is good buying. RRP $35.50/btl. Our special price to you is just $31.50

Mount Brown Riesling 2008

Mouthwatering riesling for under $20 is hard to find. Here is one. This is off-dry in style, lifted in aromatics, unctous on the palate with notes of citrus and limes from hand-harvested, low cropped Waipara grapes. It's fantastic for the price. Highly recommended. RRP is only $18.90. Our low price to you is just $16/90/btl - a great buy

                                            Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Tropical fruit salad leaps from the glass while the palate it displays good weight and a limey freshness. Typical of the Marlborough style but shows better concentration and character than most 2008s. RRP is $25/btl but we are offering to you for the special price of just $19.90/btl.
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The best celebration gift is Champagne
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Mumm Cordon Rouge Gift Pack with
2 Champagne Flutes

Brilliant gift idea, presentation Mumm Gift Box containing one 750ml Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne NV bottle and 2 x Mumm champagne flutes - the 'House Style' is distinctively fresh yet full-bodied displaying the richness and finesse that has epitomised the Cordon Rouge famous red ribbon since it first appeared in 1876. In fact, the quality of Mumm has never been better since they were purchased by Pernod Ricard 10 years ago.

Gift Box RRP $80. Our special price to you $69.90 only while stocks last .

Business Hours - closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday
                            Easter Monday hours 1pm to 6pm

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