Latest Wines
See also: New Zealand
-
Armand de Brignac - The Best Champagne in the World - Made by Champagne Cattier - Available Mid September NZD $599.00 Out of stock
Fine Champagne Magazine (the world’s only International Champagne publication), ranks the world’s top 100 Champagnes from their recent blind tasting of 1,000 brands. Armand de Brignac topped the field with the No. 1 ranking! In the issue, editor Essi Avellan writes, “We witnessed in our glasses a fine, smooth, and creamy Champagne with underlying power and great mineral freshness. Classic, restrained, and energetic in style, it has everything a truly great Champagne can offer. Its accentuated fruit-forwardness is what makes it so irresistibly palatable today. Armand de Brignac’s flashy golden bottle is eye-catching in the true meaning of the expression. It is always rewarding when the content of the bottle matches its price and reputation. We were thrilled that the Champagne, appreciated by the rich and famous…delivered so perfectly on the connoisseurs’ collective palate.” In the magazine’s listing by rank of the top-rated Champagnes, Armand de Brignac is described as follows: “Pale lemony color. Smooth peach nose with pear and floral notes. Complex with mineral smokiness, restraint, honey and spicy finesse. Creamy, foamy palate with good freshness and tropical fruit. Linear with compact fruit and wonderful length. Enjoyable today but there is great potential ahead.”I am thrilled to announce the debut of the film on the story and history of Armand de Brignac, the Number One-Rated Champagne in the World produced by our very own Champagne Cattier. The film was shot at the Cattier vineyards and cellars in the village of Chigny-les-Roses, Champagne where I visited last year with the most amazing welcome from all at Cattier. It is now available for viewing online! This beautiful film covers the background of Armand de Brignac, the methods of its creation, and introduces all of the people behind the Champagne, including father and son winemakers Jean-Jacques and Alexandre Cattier and Commercial Director and great friend of mine Philippe Bienvenu. Armand de Brignac is not yet available in New Zealand but we will keep you posted. There are three Champagnes in the range - the flagship Cuvée, the Brut Gold, a Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs, which made from a blend of Chardonnay grapes, enclosed in an historic silver bottle with matching silver labels. All retail for approx $NZ450 a bottle. The film runs approximately nine minutes. Enjoy. Not yet available in NZ, but please let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of these and I will let you know when they are available. Click here to watch the video. -
Armantes Old Bush Vine Rosé 2008
NZD $16.95
A Rosé For Wine Drinkers At last - a serious rose that tastes like wine, not lolly water. Fully dry, with delicious, weighty fruit flavours, this is an intensely complex wine from a small, ancient block of vines in a forgotten (until recently) corner of Spain. Rosé has always been a bit of an also-ran (unless it's rose Champagne of course which is an entirely different story), but this wine is a real eye-opener that will delight even the most hardened rose cynic. When you look at how this wine is made you will see why. It comes from garnacha vines that are more than fifty years old on a single slope vineyard in Catalayud, Northern Spain. Catalayud was until very recently an overlooked corner of Spain. However it has never been hit by the phylloxera bug which devastated most of the European vineyards in the 1800s. The old vines and very low yields give wines that are very intensely flavoured. This is a superbly complex wine that will go well with virtually any meal. Serve only lightly chilled to bring out its complex flavours.
-
Artisan Late Harvest Riesling 2008 - 375ml NZD $19.95
Astounding value here for a dessert wine of this quality. A fruit driven wine from Marlborough with hints of botrytis influence. The initial sweet entry is well balanced with crisp acidity and a refreshingly dry finish. It is just 12% alcohol and is best served lightly chilled. The wine is succulent but not cloying with excessive residual sugar. The perfect complement to cheese, pate’ and fruit platters. It's light and fresh with lots of appealing fruity characters. -
Badel Komovica Rakija 1Ltr
NZD $59.95
A Croatian liqueur produced in the same way as Grappa. Serve chilled as an aperitif or digestif.
-
Badel Travarica 1Ltr NZD $59.95 Out of stock
A highly aromatic spirit distilled from good wine and infused with Mediterranean herbs, Travarica is the stand out amongst brandies. Its golden green hue, alluring fragrances and distinctive palate will warm the hearts of fine liqueur enthusiasts. 37.5% alcohol. -
Billyrock Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 NZD
$16.95$10.95A great follow on from the amazingly popular Shiraz. The Cabernet is flying out just as fast. From South Eastern Australia this wine is packed full of value and flavour. Crimson red with wild berry aromas and a long, rich palate with elegant fruit flavours. Fermented in tanks for 10–12 months and matured in French and American oak, this is great with spicy meats, curries and BBQ pork. Very very good value. -
Billyrock Station Limited Release Selection Shiraz 2006 NZD
$15.95$10.95There's never been such a demand for a Shiraz like the Billyrock. Tell everyone you know it has returned. Run down the street in your pyjamas with the news if you have to, but please do not mention us if you are arrested.Wine Spectator rated this 89/100 which is almost unheard of for any wine at $10.99. The Limited Release Selection wines are only made in years where the fruit is exceptional - and this wine is. From South East Australia, this wine stuck out in a lineup of over 20 wines - most of the others were twice the price. Lots of fruit without being too heavy. A beautiful, seamless softness on the palate and a finish that lasts and lasts. You'll be back for more. I guarantee it. -
Breaksea Sound Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 NZD $19.95
Breaksea not "Break the Bank" This is truly worth $30+. In Metro Magazine this month, Paul Tudor MW says... "Cherrycake and spice aromatics, solid, chunky berry flavours and a ripe, round mouthfeel. This vintage has finesse and structure and is the best value Otago pinot on the market. "This wine has amazed everyone who tries it for its quality and value. Sourced from a single vineyard with grape yields less than half most pinot noirs, which makes a lot less wine but which gives added concentration. If you are a Central Otago pinot noir fan you must try this if you haven't already. Drinking well now and over the next couple of years. -
Canadoro Martinborough Pinot Gris 2009 NZD $14.95
Outstanding value here. Normally $24.95. Everyone who has tried this can't believe the price of this and they keep coming back for more. Apricot, quince and pears on the nose with a rich texture on the palate complimented by a lovely balancing spiciness. Big and bold flavours with a richness kept under control by subtly restraining acidity. Amazing buying. -
Casa Gran del Siurana Gran Cruor 2006 NZD $120.00
Priorat, home to Spain’s most expensive and fashionable red wines is ideally suited to making great Syrah to rival the best of Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Barcelona, Priorat’s gnarly old vines grown on steep schist terraces produce dark, deep, powerful reds, with wonderful balancing mineral intensity. Gran Cruor from new and exciting Priorat producer Casa Gran del Siurana is regarded as Spain’s greatest Syrah-predominant wine. It is made almost exclusively from grown on the steep Cote-Rotie-like slate terraces of their La Fredat vineyard. Jose Peñín, Spain’s most influential wine writer, has given Gran Cruor the highest score that he’s ever awarded to a Spanish Syrah, saying “One of the kings of Spanish Syrah wines is Casa Gran del Siurana’s Gran Cruor.” Gran Cruor 2006 also recently won the Trophy for Best Northern Spanish Red at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards which this year qualified as the world’s biggest international wine competition with more entries this year than any other leading wine competition in the world. Casa Gran del Siurana was established in 2000, and to create impact in the world of wine have positioned themselves as arguably the best value source of fine Priorat reds. Based at the 300 year old La Casa Gran farmhouse, all of their fruit comes from their own steep slate hillside estates, the 10 hectare La Fredat estate and 6 hectare La Casa Gran estate. Trophy for Best Northern Spanish Red - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010. 93/100 Penin Guide 2010 (the publication of Spain’s most influential wine writer) “One of the kings of Spanish Syrah wines is Casa Gran del Siurana’s Gran Cruor.” -
Cattier Blanc de Blancs Les Roses NZD $129.95
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this is gold in colour with green reflections. Fine, floral and citrus on the nose with flavours of fresh, fine, white fruits, dried apricots and vanilla. A 'living' and light Champagne. Ideal as an apéritif or serve with seafood and fish. -
Cattier Blanc de Noirs NZD $79.95 Out of stock
Arriving early November. Call now to secure your order. Gift Box not included. A truly magnificent Champagne which is the 'dark horse' of the Cattier range, proving to be a real eye-opener with the Champagne connoisseur. Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. The bottle appropriately conveys the richness of this straw coloured Champagne, which provides hints of raspberry and violets. This distinct, yet complex, Champagne presents a full-bodied taste and partners well with red meat, game and fish as well as foods that are spicy, savoury or sweet. -
Cattier Blanc de Noirs with Velvet Gift Box NZD $99.50 Out of stock
A truly magnificent Champagne which is the 'dark horse' of the Cattier range, proving to be a real eye-opener with the Champagne connoisseur.Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier, the elegant black case gives way to an equally sleek, noir tinged bottle with silver accents. The bottle appropriately conveys the richness of this straw coloured Champagne, which provides hints of raspberry and violets. This distinct, yet complex, Champagne presents a full-bodied taste and partners well with red meat, game and fish as well as foods that are spicy, savoury or sweet. -
Cattier Branded Champagne Flutes
72 available. You don't have to purchase Champagne Cattier to hire these. The 160ml glass is the perfect size as it is not too big. Larger glasses tend to lose their chill and fizz. -
Cattier Brut Antique Premier Cru NZD $79.95
45% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 25% Chardonnay, this is aged for up to three years. This golden-coloured, non-vintage Champagne is extremely big on flavour and will not disappoint. Flavours of brioche bread and dried fruits and despite the age on the blend, there’s no sense of nuttiness. It starts off dry and opens up with just a touch of sweetness the more you drink it. Outstanding with food, especially pork or poultry. -
Cattier Brut Rose Red Kiss NZD $129.95
Made from 90% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with 10% Chardonnay this is the perfect gift. Presented in an eye-catching red bottle and ornate gold-thread cage, this fresh, full-bodied salmon hued champagne has aromas of cherry, strawberry and blackberry. Red Kiss is perfectly paired with poultry, white meat and blue cheese. -
Cattier Brut Saphir NZD $139.95
80% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with 20% Chardonnay. An intricate silver-thread cage holds a gleaming blue bottle which stores this gold/amber Champagne. Blue Saphir emits the hints of flowers and white citrus fruits that provide a lasting fresh fig taste, and is best served as an aperitif with cocktails or hours d'oeuvres. -
Cattier Clos du Moulin NZD $159.95
-
Cattier Gift Box with 2 Glasses NZD $99.50 Out of stock
Arriving November 1st. There really are limited numbers of this strikingly presented pack from Champagne Cattier. Rated around the world as The Best Value Champagne with 2 Cattier branded glasses, this is a great gift that truly over-delivers. I'm told this could easily retail at $140+ and be called a bargain at that. Please secure your orders now to avoid immense disappointment as these will go fast. -
Cattier Punch Bowl
One available. Lent out at no charge with any order for your function. Comes with ladle. Ideal for using as a punch bowl or putting your Champagne on ice. -
Cattier Vintage Premier Cru 2002 NZD $79.95
We tried this next to another top rated brand of Vintage 2002 Champagne that was nearly twice the price and the quality was very similar, and for the price, a whole lot better. This should be on the shelf at $150+ and a Vintage Champagne under $100 is absolutely unheard of these days.Produced from a blending of 2/3 Pinot & 1/3 Chardonnay, this Champagne is characterised by its aromas of brioche bread, dried fruits with some notes of red fruits and caramel. Grab it now before the price increases. A masterpiece. -
Cattier Visit March 2009
In March 2009 I spent 2 weeks in Champagne at the luxurious accommodation so generously offered to me at the Cattier Home in Chigny Le Roses in Champagne, just outside the main city of Reims. I was treated to the most amazing hospitality and the finest Champagne that anyone could ask for. I also was most honoured to have a personal tour around the cellars and winery by the man himself, the finest gentleman you will ever meet, Mr Jean-Jacques CATTIER. On my stay at Cattier, it confirmed to me that Cattier are about two things. "Quality of the Wine and the people who are behind it." Which brings me instantly to Cattier's main man, Philippe BIENVENU. He has been with Cattier since 1995. We have been communicating for many years by phone and email, which has been great, but once we met in person, Philippe and I 'instantly' connected, as well as with his wonderful staff. I felt like I was 'home'. I am most thankful to him and everyone at Cattier for our most memorable stay. I miss them so much and will always feel like family to me. I can not wait to see them again.Ben Naden New Zealand Agent for Champagne Cattier -
Cattier is Also Available from the Following Outlets in NZ
La Vino in Ponsonby Kohi Corner Bottle Shop in Kohimarama La Barrique in Mt Eden and Remuera Wine and More in Albany Artisan Fine Wine Suppliers in Auckland CBD Blend Wine Store in Herne Bay Waiheke Wine Centre on Waiheke Island Artisan Wines in Oratia West Auckland - Restaurant only Bacchus Cellars in Remuera Kumeu Cellars. Ph: 09 412 7020 Liquorland Waipapa Northland. Ph: 09 407 7886 Nolas Wines and Spirits in Dargaville Hillcrest Fine Wines in Hamilton Hamilton Wine Company The Hawkes Bay Club Rumbles Wines in Wellington Vino Fino in Christchurch Wanaka Fine Wines Eadie Fyes in Christchurch CBD Ph: 03 961 0993 On Premise Distribution. Steve Caplan at Co Pilot Distributors. Ph: 09 412 9137.
-
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV 375ml
NZD $31.95
-
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV 750ml NZD
$59.95$54.95Open for Tasting Every Saturday La Cantina is now the Proud New Distributor of Champagne Cattier in NZ. If you have a function and are looking for a Top Champagne to impress your guests, let me know and I will happily open a bottle of this for you to try. No obligation. Call me any time. I've also 96 Cattier Branded Champagne Flute glasses and wine glasses available - Free for hire when you purchase your wine through La Cantina. Best Buy in Cuisine 3 Years in a Row - Top Champagne of the Tasting 2006 Outstanding Value - Paul Tudor, Metro Magazine March 2010 Champagne Buy of the Year - John Hawkesby, Radio NZ 2009 Rated 3rd Best NV Champagne in the World - International Fine Champagne Magazine 2009 The House Champagne at the Ritz in London Served on British Airways and Air France first Class Cuisine says:"Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV was one lesser light to impress us greatly. Cattier is a smaller independent Champagne house with a history dating back to 1763 as grape growers, but they only started producing their own wine in 1918, making them “new” producers in Champagne terms. This keenly priced wine is made from Cattier’s own premier cru vineyards on the esteemed Montagne de Reims, one of Champagne’s best vineyard resources. Made in a fresh, tangy style with deliciously creamy texture and real persistence, it’s a first-class crowd-pleaser when only Champagne – the real thing – will do, but it has enough sheer class to sit easily alongside the region’s leading recognised brands. This keenly priced premier cru is fresh and lively. Tangy fruit character is perfectly integrated with subtle biscuity complexity, its texture is deliciously creamy, and the palate is long-lasting with a finely flavoured aftertaste. A bargain..." -
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV Jeroboam 3ltr
NZD $450.00
-
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV Magnum 1.5 litre
NZD $155.00
Out of stock
-
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV Methuselah 6ltr
NZD $950.00
Out of stock
-
Champagne Cattier Premier Cru Brut Rose NZD $69.95 Out of stock
Best Buy and 4 1/2 Stars in the November 2009 issue of Cuisine. Only one of 2 to get a Best Buy. Cuisine says... "This direct, satisfying wine shows why Cattier consistently impresses our tasters. Attractive strawberry and cherry fruit characters and a crisp, elegant palate. Fine and long in the mouth, it has a hint of sweetness nicely balanced by zippy acidity. Try with chicken liver mousse." Also at a recent tasting of the English magazine Wine & Spirit, which brought together nearly 60 Rosé Champagnes, Cattier Brut Rose Premier Cru was ranked in 4th place! -
Champagne Flutes 6pk NZD $89.70
If you are ever visiting Champagne, France, you will notice most of the Champagne Houses use this style of glass. Champagne or sparkling wines are best suited for this style of glass and should be filled to the waist which encourages the oxygenation due to the large surface area. The aromas are perfectly concentrated as a result of the tapered top while the base has been carefully etched to release fine bubbles. To appreciate the full flavour, this distinctive shape of glass allows the wine to be guided to the centre of the tongue. The final result is the aromas and flavours of the wine are enhanced so it can be enjoyed at its best. A very good investment, especially for lovers of fine Champagne.The flutes available are the Chef & Sommelier Open Up Effervescent Flute and work out to $14.95ea -
Chanarmuyo Estate Syrah 2006 NZD $18.95
This is just outstanding. I've taken all of the NZ allocation of the 2006 vintage as I think this is THE red wine buy of the year and the only one you'll need for winter. Drinking beautifully now. You might think you were drinking a wine worth $50+ here. It was rated in the Top 10 Best Value Wines in Metro Magazine. Paul Tudor MW says... "If there is a classier, more concentrated sub-$20 red in New Zealand, I have not found it yet. Outstanding wine, a steal at this price." Lots of complex flavour which reminded me of how a top end Aussie Shiraz used to taste but more complex and with more layers of flavours. I couldn't pass this up. As you work your way through the glass (and bottle) this opens up and gets better and better. Full on but elegant with rich black fruit flavours with chocolate and spice and black olives. Guaranteed Amazement. -
Chateau Latour 1998
NZD $1040.00
If Lafite is renowned for elegance, Latour is prized for power. Vines were first planted on the site in the fourteenth century, but Latour's reputation stems from the late part of the seventeenth century, when the estate was inherited by Alexandre de SégurIn recent years, there has been no finer wine made in Bordeaux than this fabled First Growth, for Latour displays an uncanny combination of deep color; Cabernet-dominated flavors of dark berries, licorice and minerals; the finest oak that money can buy; and great length on the aftertaste. Typically, the blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Latour is as ageworthy as Bordeaux gets, which means that the best vintages will develop in bottle for at least three or four decades. Within recent years the best vintages have been 1982, 1990, and 2000. "Red-ruby. Deep aromas of cassis, licorice and lead pencil. Deeper than Les Forts but currently rather mute in the middle. Strongly minerally. Offers classic Latour structure and spine. Finishes with sneaky, subtle persistence." Stephen Tanzer (91 points) Robert Parker: 90 points
-
Chateau Margaux 1998
NZD $840.00
The suavest and most graceful of the Bordeaux First Growths, this fabled estate produces wines with an ineffable floral perfume, silky texture and great persistence on the aftertaste. But describing this wine as elegant or feminine does not capture its superb concentration, structure and aging potential. Grapes have been grown on the property dating from the sixteenth century, and since 1977 the estate has been owned by the Mentzelopoulos family, with winemaking team director Paul Pontallier, cellar master Jean Grangerou and consulting oenologist Emile Peynaud taking responsibility for the output. Outstanding vintages under the ownership include 1982, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2003, and 2005. "Medium ruby. Cool, floral aromas of red berries, violet, cocoa powder, graphite and spicy oak, along with a whiff of smoked meat. Juicy, sharply delineated and austere; a classic, adamantly dry claret with superb intensity and grip. This is beginning to close up, unlike the '99. But really expands on the very long, perfumed finish. Tannins are dusty but even." Stephen Tanzer (92+ points) Robert Parker: 91 points Wine Advocate: 90 points
-
Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2003
NZD $995.00
Often the most exotic and perfumed wine of the Médoc, Mouton-Rothschild was promoted from second- to first-growth status in 1973, the only château to be so elevated since 1855. Incidentally, Mouton-Rothschild was the first Bordeaux estate to begin complete chateau bottling of its wines. The estate retains a special commitment to bottling and enlists famous artists of the day to design each label. This touch makes Mouton-Rothschild especially desired by collectors, but doesn't detract from the outstanding quality of the wines themselves. The dramatic cassis and black cherry fruitiness, and mineral and graphite notes of Mouton-Rothschild are complemented by nuances of smoke, char, coffee and chocolate from the 100% new oak barrels. Look to 1986, 1995, 1999, and 2002 for outstanding recent vintages. "Good medium ruby. This is downright exotic on the nose: mocha, coffee, graphite and coconut, lifted by sandalwood and cinnamon spice. Then dense, supple and fine-grained without coming across as heavy. Suggestion of aromatic tree bark. A seamless wine that spreads out horizontally on the back end and finishes with very fine tannins." Stephen Tanzer (93 points) Robert Parker: 95 points Wine Spectator: 94 points
-
Chateau de Fontenille 2006
NZD $24.95
Sauvignon blanc-based white from Bordeaux This wine comes from a small family vineyard in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. A blend of 80% sauvignon blanc, 10% semillon and 10% muscadelle, it is a full bodied dry white with beautifully clean fruit flavours. Weightier than a New Zealand sauvignon - a very good match with foods such as fish and lighter white meat dishes.
-
Corazon Chardonnay 2009 NZD $24.95
New ReleaseThe fruit for this wine is sourced from Kumeu in West Auckland where, by tasting this wine you will certainly agree the quality of the wines from this part of the country have improved immensely. Very full flavours of ripe stone fruit and butterscotch with vanilla. Rich and clean and will continue to improve in the bottle for another 2-3 years. -
Corazon Hawkes Bay Syrah 2008 NZD $21.95
One of only 8 Syrahs to get a Gold Medal at the recent Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. All of the others are $35+ including some of the big names like Saint Clair and the Trinity Hill Homage at $120 a bottle. Even before this great result for this wine, made by West Auckland winemaker Shayne Cox, it had already gathered a strong following here at La Cantina. Syrah is Shayne's favourite wine to make, and his efforts really show in this wine with an amazing array of flavours going on. Very fruit driven, rich and powerful with dark berry fruits, spice and leather with a long and very memorable finish. This is a steal at $21.95. Syrah loves air - decant before drinking to allow the flavours to open up. -
Corazon Oratia Syrah 2007 4.5 Stars - Sam Kim NZD $17.95
And it's only $17.95 An impressive Syrah by Shayne Cox from grapes grown in Oratia, West Auckland. It's deeply coloured and beautifully perfumed with black plum, cherry, spice and vanilla oak. The palate is well fruited and silky smooth showing nicely integrated acidity and supple tannins. It's sumptuous and satisfying with a lovely dry finish. Drinking well now through to 2013. -
Corazon Rose 2009 NZD $17.95
Summer in a bottleThis is my favourite wine at the moment. Even in the cooler months of the year, this is a favourite for many of you. The most appealing thing about this wine is that it is made from Syrah, which makes it more complex and flavoursome than most other Rose's which are made from Pinot Noir. I've had a lot of comments from people that this is one of the best they've had. -
Discovery Point Fleur 2009 NZD $19.95
Blending of different grape varieties has of course been common in red wine making and is starting to gain as much interest in the white varieties. Once you try this you will understand why. It just makes sense!This is an outstanding blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer which is rich, dry and aromatic with the Riesling providing structure, the Pinot Gris richness and body and the Gewürztraminer intense floral aromas. Everyone who has tried this comes back for more. Great on its own or with seafood, white meats and Asian cuisine. -
Discovery Point Marlborough Dry Riesling 2009
NZD $19.95
Marlborough Dry Riesling That Really Is Dry It is always a struggle to find a quality NZ riesling that is truly dry yet still displays quality fruit. This wine, from a single vineyard in Marlborough, is a superb example. It is quite rich, with lovely fruit flavours, yet is fully dry. A great food wine and with cellaring potential.
-
Discovery Point Sauvignon Blanc 2009 NZD $19.95
A distinct departure from over-whelming, tropical fruit flavoured show styles of Sauv. Inspired by the great styles of the Loire Valley in France, it is an elegant, finely textured, completely dry Marlborough Sauv that is a perfect partner with fine seafood or worth savouring on its own. Rivals the best of NZ. -
Duc de Tarente Sancerre 2006
NZD $44.95
Classic French Sauvignon A very good example of France's most famous sauvignon blanc from the small district of Sancerre in the Loire valley. This has a minerally, slightly herbal medley of flavours with a juicy dry finish. Lovely drinking now and over the next couple of years and an excellent partner to shellfish.
-
El Puno Grenache 2007 NZD $51.95
Master of Wine, Norrel Robertson MW makes some of the most exceptional-value wines in Spain, like Papa Luna and Manga del Brujo. As Jancis Robinson MW says, “Talented British Master of Wine Norrel Robertson, regularly turns out under-priced bottlings.” He has long believed that Calatauyd can produce wines to the equal of Priorat, the region that produces many of Spain’s greatest and most expensive wines. Robert Parker agrees, saying “To this point, the D.O. of Calatayud has been best known for exceptional value. However, this is slowly changing as people appreciate just how good the wines made from its old-vine Grenache vineyards can be.” HE HAS NOW FUFULLIED HIS BELIEF, AND PROUDLY OFFERS HIS GREATEST WINE EVER – EL PUNO 2007. El Puno is Norrel Robertson MW’s flagship wine. It was crafted it from ancient 70-100 vine Garnacha, grown at over 1000 metres in Calatayud’s finest slate vineyards. The fruit was hand harvested then hand sorted in the winery and the wine matured for 16 months in new French oak barrels. The pioneer of California’s “Rhone Ranger” movement Randall Grahm recently chaired the Worldwide Grenache Symposium in the Rhone Valley, France. On tasting 2007 El Puno he said; “'Garnacha from Calatayud thoroughly rocked my world today. So much finesse, elegance. (El Puno is) possibly the greatest Grenache that no one (hardly anyone) has ever tasted.” 91/100 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate “It offers aromas of slate, toasty oak, leather, and black cherry. Dense, layered and full-flavoured, this impressive effort will provide pleasure through 2020.” -
Forrest Estate The Doctors Riesling 2009
NZD $19.95
Now assuming cult status in the New Zealand wine scene the Doctors’ Riesling continues to amaze wine critics and novices alike. Trophy at the Air NZ Wine Awards. Lime sherbet, granny smith apple and mandarin flavours make an appealing wine. On the palate aromas of citrus, apricots & Asian spice, lovely fruit sweetness, balanced by fine acidity; the wines naturally lower alcohol, 8.5%, ensure each mouthful is a refreshing delicious experience.
-
Gabriel Liogier Vacqueyras Montpezat NZD $39.95
This lovely Rhone Valley red comes from Vaucluse to the south of Gigondas. The soils here are yellow and red clay, and stony. The grapes that do best here are Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. This is a vigorous and ‘chewy’ wine of purple hue. Well-structured and long on the palate, it has a rich nose bouquet reminiscent of violets and spices. Serve this little treasure at 16°C with roast lamb or grilled meat with heavy red sauces. -
Hoppers Crossing Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 NZD $17.95
You could easily pay well over $25 for a wine of this quality. Many of you think it's a great buy at $19.95. Now only $16.95 but for a limited time. A bright cherry red wine with a pretty nose of strawberry and cherry and a touch of dried herbs. This is moderately bodied Pinot Noir, showing good definition of strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit flavours with some nice leathery complexity too. Oak has been used judiciously and is in delicious harmony with the structure and weight of the wine. The mid-palate shows a lovely creamy texture with ripe, soft tannins. Hard to beat. -
Johannesof Gewurztraminer 2008 NZD $29.95
This has to be one of New Zealand's most highly awarded Gewurztraminers. Luscious medium style with perfumed aroma and flavour of roses, Turkish delight and lychees. Perfect with Asian spicy food and tasty cheeses. Drink now or until 2014. -
Kerr Farm P06 Kumeu Pinotage 2007 - New Vintage NZD $19.95
This has been one of my favourites for a very long time. Very interesting flavours going on with this wine which is made from grapes from officially New Zealands oldest Pinotage vines, which are over 40 years old, influencing much of the complex flavours.Bright in its ruby crimson colour, attractively scented, floral with hints of lavender and berry. Creamy oak fills the palate which is ripe, juicy and velvety textured with fruit intensity and oak complexity to the backbone. Well integrated acidity and a touch of Pinotage's signature rusticity to the finish together with a spicy flourish makes this a very good and utterly enjoyable red wine. Even better the next day. A real gem. -
Kuehn Alsace Gewurztraminer 2007
NZD $29.95
Gewurztraminer always presents very concentrated fruit and floral flavours such as lychee and rose. This lovely wine is no exception. A bright gold yellow colour in the glass, a smooth taste of quince and a dominance of honey develops on the palate. Complex and full, the finish is quite exceptional.
How to buy
Enter the quantity and click "add to cart". When you are ready to pay for your order proceed to checkout. Payment is made by credit card on a secure server using Paypal.
Case Price applies to 12 or more of the same wine.
Delivery
La Cantina delivers anywhere in New Zealand. Our delivery rates are:
- Auckland: $3.95 per case
- Rest of North Island: $7.95 per case
- South Island: $9.95 per case
Rural delivery fee $3.50
For privacy, returns and security policies please read our policies page.
Guarantee
I personally select and taste every wine I recommend ~ if you don't like it, please send it back to me and I will either replace it with something more suitable to your taste or issue you a full refund.
Ben Naden