The roots of New Zealand’s Kumeu River wines extend back almost 80 years to 1937 when the Brajkovich family first left their Croatian home to settle near Auckland. Maté and Kate were the first in the clan to arrive and began working in the vineyards near their new home. By 1944 they had saved enough to buy their own small vineyard and San Marino Vineyards was born, growing grapes and making small amounts of wine. Successive generations of the Brajkovich family continued to run the winery, changing its name to Kumeu River Wines in 1986 to reflect the local region. By now the emphasis on quality Chardonnay was set and the reputation of this small winery was on its way up. Today Melba, Michael, Marijana, Milan and Paul continue the family tradition and are now producing world class Chardonnay.
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2002 Barossa Valley Estate E & E Black Pepper Shiraz
Still inky dark in colour. Aromas rise up from the glass that are an intoxicating mix of black fruit, spices and a hint of oak. Flavours of black cherry, blackberry and raspberry receive additional complexity from the black pepper and other spices. Medium body and smooth, this is miles away from the stereotypical Barossa bruiser. Beautifully balanced and elegant, this is a great food wine. Raspberry and a slight piquant note form the long finish. Delicious!
Excellent
2006 Vintage available at BC Liquor stores for $90.
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àMaurice Cellars is a recent discovery of ours. The winery flies somewhat under the radar as most of its annual production of 5,000 cases is sold direct from the winery or to select restaurants. The list of restaurants that carry their wines includes the likes of the French Laundry and Per Se. You are unlikely to find a bottle of àMaurice at your local bottle shop, but if you do, grab it!
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Isenhower 2013 Snipes Mountain Viognier
Medium gold in colour the Snipes Mountain Viognier is fruit forward with apricot dominating the nose and palate. Suupporting notes of peach, lemon and a lovely minerality balance it out nicely. Medium body with a smooth, plush mouth feel and a nice long finish.
Very Good/Excellent
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Delamotte is the fifth oldest House in Champagne. Founded in 1760 by vineyard owner Francois Delamotte, the winery stayed within the family and was managed by various heirs and relatives of Francois for 70 years. In the 1830s it was sold to Lanson who later started producing a Lanson label. A Lanson heir, Marie Louise de Nonacourt (nee Lanson) acquired the House in the 1920s and, in a transformational decision, moved the operations from their original home in Reims to Mesnil sur Oger where the winery sits today.
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