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Summer is officially here, but if you ask the folks in the South Island they may dispute that. It must be global warming that’s making everything late.
One thing that won’t be late is Xmas – it’s been confirmed for the 25th of December again – just 23 days from now.
On Wednesday night at our second to last tasting for the year we opened some bubbles to get into a bit of Xmas spirit.
It’s always great to find a bargain or two in Champagne and we certainly did discover some stars.
It’s been many years, perhaps 15 or more since we had Champagne Charles de Cazanove available in N.Z. and this is a very distinctive wine. These are some of the descriptives in Sue Courtney’s notes, “hints of marmite, nut brown butter and toast, ultra fine tingly bubbles, malt” – it’s got the lot – and it’s outstanding value. $39.99. This wine was a very deserving gold medal winner in the 2016 N.Z. International Wine Show.
There’s other Champagnes from Charles de Cazanove available including the brilliant Stradivarius 2004 Vintage Champagne. This is in a stylish wooden gift box and the bottle is distinctively different. Great value at $74.99. There are not many of these available.
We also tasted the Champagne Beaumet Cuvée Rosé NV, the wine that topped the under $100 section in the Cuisine tasting. Very tasty and well priced for a pink Champagne at $44.99.
Our other Champagne was the fabulous Grande Marque Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut NV. This is what Sue wrote, “There's a beguiling and delicately floral lemon nuance to the baking bread bouquet that conjures up perhaps lemon verbena and freesia. And it is light and delicate in the palate with fine effervescent bubbles and wonderfully refreshing acidity that balances the deeply savoury backbone that has a malt and sizzled butter allure with white mushroom notes emerging on the lingering finish. Stylish, classy and fabulous value for Grande Marque champagne.”
Everything about this Champagne is stylish and classy, including the presentation gift box and now the price. $64.99.
We also took the opportunity to taste one of the many Proseccos we have available. The Bandini Extra Dry Prosecco is not as dry as you might expect. It’s refreshing and thirst quenching with a crisp semi-dry finish. Good value. $19.99.
Back in store in time for Xmas is the “unique” Rockburn Stolen Kiss Pinot Rosé 2016 from Central Otago. Sue Courtney wrote, “strong cherry, watermelon, citrus and refreshing sherbet bouquet followed by a very tasty palate where touches of wild strawberries join the fray. The best I have tasted from the sought-after label and could be considered “dangerously drinkable.” $26.99.
All the wines from a very good tasting are reviewed below.
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The annual “carry on” with couriers has already started. The product we sell is both “breakable and desirable”. For most of the year we get the occasional case of wine broken but come December and we just cannot believe what happens with the deliveries. Last week a case of wine being couriered across Auckland to an office building just simply disappeared – no one can tell us where it went – just claim for the lost case - at cost. So where did the wine go?
This week, in two days we had three cases of wine broken or at least a bottle in a case broken. These were individual boxes supposedly broken – one in Auckland, going all the way to Shortland St. One was broken in Hamilton and another going to the South Island never made it. We get the message – one bottle is broken and all the other bottles have label damage – just claim for the 12 bottles. What happens to the 11 bottles with “label damage”. Does the courier's insurance company get them for some recovery – I doubt it.
Where does all the wine end up – it happens every Xmas. Where possible we send replacements but this all takes time, so if you are planning on sending wine to people for Xmas – please do it soon.
We had our biggest Saturday this year last weekend. Sales were dominated by Brancott “O” Chardonnay, Church Road McDonald Chardonnay 2015 and the Enchanted Tree Shiraz 2015. The Brancott “O” Chardonnay has sold out but tomorrow we will have a number of Chardonnays open for customers to taste.
We rate the Delegats Crownthorpe Terraces Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2015 as one of the best under $20 “drinking” wines. It’s now developed very nicely – the colour is a bright straw gold and there’s plenty of creamy, toasty and now buttery flavours. Good everyday wine for the bach and barbeque at $16.99. It’s been awarded 2 gold medals this year plus the Trophy for Champion Commercial White Wine at the N.Z. International.
Currently First Glass stocks 26 of the 28 Chardonnays that were awarded gold medals in the 2016 N.Z. International.
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We do have a few bottles of Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir 2015 for sale. $86.99. Sold on a first in basis – be quick.
We also have secured magnums from two excellent Central Otago wineries.
Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012 – 1.5 litre magnum - $112.00.
Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 – 1.5 litre magnum - $116.00.
Also:
Palliser Estate The Great Ted Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 - $95.00. (750 ml)
And Riedel Central Otago Pinot Noir glasses 2 pack - $48.00.
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Bandini Extra Dry Prosecco NV – Italy
The bouquet reminds me of creaming soda with a twist of lemon and the taste brings memories of yellow heritage apples and muscat grapes with lively large bubbles that pop exuberantly. It’s refreshing and quenching with a crisp dry finish but not as dry as the ‘extra dry’ on the label would have you think. Great for lunch or an aperitif.
First Glass Price: $19.99. |
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Champagne Charles de Cazanove Tete de Cuvee NV – Reims, France
The bouquet is delectably savoury with lemon leesy nuances, hints of marmite, nut brown butter and toast and the taste is crisp, fresh and vibrant with ultra fine tingly bubbles, lovely yeast autolysis, malt and marmite flavours and while you get the impression this Champagne is very very dry there’s a peachy sweetness welling up to leave a pleasing aftertaste. Terrific value. Gold NZIWS.
First Glass Price: $39.99. |
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Champagne Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut NV – Ay, France
There's a beguiling and delicately floral lemon nuance to the baking bread bouquet that conjures up perhaps lemon verbena and freesia. And it is light and delicate in the palate with fine effervescent bubbles and wonderfully refreshing acidity that balances the deeply savoury backbone that has a malt and sizzled butter allure with white mushroom notes emerging on the lingering finish. Stylish, classy and fabulous value for Grande Marque champagne. Gold NZIWS.
First Glass Price: $64.99. |
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Rockburn Stolen Kiss Pinot Rose 2016 – Central Otago
Delightful pale pink hue with quite a strong cherry, watermelon, citrus and refreshing sherbet bouquet – all these traits following through to the very tasty palate where touches of wild strawberries join the fray. It’s mouth-wateringly dry and tangy with loads of flavour and verve and a spritzy textural vibe. The best I’ve tasted from this sought after label and could be considered ‘dangerously drinkable’.
First Glass Price: $26.99. |
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Delegat Crownthorpe Terraces Chardonnay 2015
It’s instantly appealing on the nose showing ripe stonefruit, rockmelon, fig and citrus aromas with stylish vanilla, toasty oak nuances. The palate delivers succulent mouthfeel and creamy texture, enhanced by subtle nutty, butterscotch complexity. A delectable Chardonnay offering superb value. Trophy for best Commercial White Wine, NZ International Wine Show 2016
First Glass Price: $16.99. |
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Riverby Estate Noble Riesling 2015 – Marlborough, NZ
Looking like sunshine in the glass and radiating a honey and apricot nectar bouquet then seducing the palate with its beautifully flowing viscous texture, this has flavours crammed with candied tropical fruit, passionfruit and mango with honeycomb in the background while the luscious sweetness of the wine is impeccable balanced by refreshing acidity. Will be perfect served with the fresh fruit salad on Christmas Day. Gold AirNZ. Gold NZIWS.
First Glass Price: $22.99. |
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Yalumba Paradox Barossa Shiraz 2013
The bouquet is dark and juicy with fabulous berry concentration that carries through to the palate that's underpinned with earthy, leathery, savoury, ferrous notes with firm muscular tannins, hints of mocha and mint with thick chocolate emerging as the wine lingers – the tannins seemingly much finer as the wine lingers.
First Glass Price: $28.99. |
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Chapel Hill 'The Parsons' GSM 2015 - McLaren Vale
The three classic Rhone grapes work in wonderful harmony offering lifted aromas of dark plum, spiced cherry, floral and toasted nut on the nose, followed by a juicy palate that is smooth and friendly. Gold medal - NZ International Wine Show 2016.
First Glass Price: $18.99. |
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Carol Wright was our winner of last week’s Saturday Challenge. The wines were Marlborough Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Shiraz.
In the Pick the Score we had a big winner. Jeanette Henderson correctly picked the 24/19 win for the All Blacks and wins a whole case of wine. This is the 8th major winner for the year. We have one last Pick the Score for 2016 – England V Australia in London. The ideal result could be a nil all draw.
Our 3 weekly email winners this week are:
- Murray Campbell-Cree
- Mark Wooster
- Robin Thullier
If your name is listed here you have won a bottle of fine wine. Your name is now automatically put into the big prize draw on Xmas Eve.
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There’s only 3 weeks left to get photos to us to be in with a chance of winning that $500 case of wine on Xmas Eve.
Our famous First Glass white bags are everywhere. Look at this week’s photo carefully. You will see Angela Grooby at a wedding at the Parisian Casino in Macau – it’s a great shot.
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December 7th: The final tasting for 2016. It is also the annual V.C. Cardholders end of year function. Usual $15 charge applies – reservations not required.
Tastings resume on the 11th January. |
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First glass Wine Education Evening 30 Nov 2016
Bubbles and Summer Delights
Notes by Sue Courtney
Wines were tasted blind
Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay 2014
This is a lovely, fine textured, creamy Chardonnay with a lifted bouquet reminiscent of vanilla biscuits and nutty oak and moderate palate weight with bright juicy orange / grapefruit acidity, lots of mealy leesy flavours, a long and lightly toasty finish and a delectable nutty savoury aftertaste. Integrated and elegant in the glass tonight. Gold Easter Show. Gold NZIWS.
14% alc. Screwcap. First Glass Price: $19.99.
Bandini Extra Dry Prosecco NV – Italy
The bouquet reminds me of creaming soda with a twist of lemon and the taste brings memories of yellow heritage apples and muscat grapes with lively large bubbles that pop exuberantly. It’s refreshing and quenching with a crisp dry finish but not as dry as the ‘extra dry’ on the label would have you think. Great for lunch or an aperitif.
11% alc. Cork. First Glass Price: $19.99.
Champagne Charles de Cazanove Tete de Cuvee NV – Reims, France
The bouquet is delectably savoury with lemon leesy nuances, hints of marmite, nut brown butter and toast and the taste is crisp, fresh and vibrant with ultra fine tingly bubbles, lovely yeast autolysis, malt and marmite flavours and while you get the impression this Champagne is very very dry there’s a peachy sweetness welling up to leave a pleasing aftertaste. Terrific value. Gold NZIWS.
12% alc. Cork. First Glass Price: $39.99.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut NV – Ay, France
There's a beguiling and delicately floral lemon nuance to the baking bread bouquet that conjures up perhaps lemon verbena and freesia. And it is light and delicate in the palate with fine effervescent bubbles and wonderfully refreshing acidity that balances the deeply savoury backbone that has a malt and sizzled butter allure with white mushroom notes emerging on the lingering finish. Stylish, classy and fabulous value for Grande Marque champagne. Gold NZIWS. 12% alc. Cork. First Glass Price: $64.99.
Hunters MiruMiru Reserve 2011 – Marlborough, NZ
This has a truly enchanting yeasty baking bread bouquet with hints of rosehips adding to its aromatic allure and the mouthfeel is silky, creamy and flowing with powerful yeast and malt flavours balanced by crisp refreshing flinty acidity with hints of peach and rosehips and a softly exuberant finish with a delightful creamy savouriness lingering a while. Gold NZIWS. 12.5% alc. Cork. First Glass Price: $34.99.
Champagne Beaumet Cuvee Rose NV – Epernay, France
The colour is rich pink-red, the bouquet is savoury with hints of macerated strawberry, and the taste is full of rose petal and red apple flavours with exuberant bubbles, a creamy texture and a dryness to the finish with red cherry flavours emerging to linger and a slightly earthy funky note too. A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this was voted No. 1 in Cuisine's under $100 Champagnes tasting. 12% alc. Cork. First Glass Price: $44.99.
Rockburn Stolen Kiss Pinot Rose 2016 – Central Otago
Delightful pale pink hue with quite a strong cherry, watermelon, citrus and refreshing sherbet bouquet – all these traits following through to the very tasty palate where touches of wild strawberries join the fray. It’s mouth-wateringly dry and tangy with loads of flavour and verve and a spritzy textural vibe. The best I’ve tasted from this sought after label and could be considered ‘dangerously drinkable’. 14% alc. Screwcap. First Glass Price: $26.99.
Clark Estate Block 8 Single Vineyard Dry Marlborough Riesling 2015
The bouquet reminds me of prepping for apple pie with slices of apples sprinkled with sugar and drizzled with lime then in the palate there’s more crisp tangy apple and lime with a touch of flower nectar and wonderfully shimmery acidity and flint. The residual sugar is balanced by ultra high acidity and low pH which makes this beautifully refreshing lower alcohol style much dryer than the sugar component alone would have you think. Double gold medal and trophy winner. 8% alc. Screwcap. First Glass Price: $17.99.
First Drop Mothers Milk Barossa Shiraz 2015 – South Australia
Bright black red in the glass with moderate saturation. The bouquet offers up lashings of berry fruits and chocolate becoming more concentrated and intense with every sniff, and the taste is ultra plush, smooth, rich and juicy with spicy, peppery, savoury vibes, chocolate wheaten biscuits, vanillin oak, bright acidity and a touch of strawberry to the nicely rounded lingering finish. Great example of a terrifically approachable Barossa shiraz. 14.5% alc. Cork/Screwcap. First Glass Price: $29.99.
Kirrihill Tullymore SV Shiraz 2014 – Clare Valley, Australia
This inky, saturated purple red-hued number with its big, bold, rich taste whisks you immediately to South Australia. The powerful bouquet offers up loads of chocolate ganache and cherry with savoury oak in the background and it is hot and spicy in the palate with a firm tannin structure, concentrated flavours of juicy black plums, chocolate coated cherries and cake spices with smoky savoury vanillin oak and a deep meaty finish. Gold NZIWS. 14.5% alc. Screwcap. First Glass Price: $24.99.
Riverby Estate Noble Riesling 2015 – Marlborough, NZ
Looking like sunshine in the glass and radiating a honey and apricot nectar bouquet then seducing the palate with its beautifully flowing viscous texture, this has flavours crammed with candied tropical fruit, passionfruit and mango with honeycomb in the background while the luscious sweetness of the wine is impeccable balanced by refreshing acidity. Will be perfect served with the fresh fruit salad on Christmas Day. Gold AirNZ. Gold NZIWS. 11% alc. Screwcap. First Glass Price: $22.99.
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Italian Cow from Sicily
The only cow in a small town in Northern Italy stopped giving milk.
So the town folk found they could buy a cow in Sicily quite cheaply. So, they brought the cow over from Sicily.
It was absolutely wonderful. It produced lots of milk every day and everyone was happy.
They bought a bull to mate with the cow to get more cows, so they'd never have to worry about their milk supply again.
They put the bull in the pasture with the cow but whenever the bull tried to mount the cow, the cow would move away.
No matter what approach the bull tried, the cow would move away from the bull, and he was never able to do the deed.
The people were very upset and decided to go to the local veterinarian, Dr. Santucchi, who was very wise, to tell him what was happening and to ask his advice.
"Whenever the bull tries to mount our cow, she moves away. If he approaches from the back, she moves forward.
When he approaches her from the front, she backs off. If he attempts it from the one side, she walks away to the other side."
The veterinarian rubbed his chin thoughtfully and pondered this before asking, "Did you by chance, buy this cow in Sicily?"
The people were dumbfounded, since no one had ever mentioned that they had brought the cow over from Sicily.
"You are truly a wise veterinarian," they said. "How did you know that we got the cow from Sicily?"
The Vet replied with a distant look in his eyes:
"My wife is from Sicily."
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