A Walk on the Wide Side

We love the Winexpert kits that we sell. They are excellent quality across the range. But, have you ever thought there could be more? Something a little different? Something outside the box?

Nora and Fiona have experimented. Scroll down to see the results.

CLASSIC PINK PINOT GRIGIO

23 litres or 31 bottles (approx).

Made in 4 weeks
Price: $159.99 in store only

We enjoy a good rosé. Choice is always more restricted than reds or whites, but we have felt the need for a dry 4-week red for some time. In stepped N-the-E and here we are, Pink Pinot Grigio. It is drier than its 6-week cousin, but really rather good. There is a nose of citrus and apple. These carry though in the mouth with a pronounced, but not over-powering, tart acidity. We have tasted this wine young and even at this point it is a winner. We actually prefer this rosé to our regular white Pinot Grigio, it just has ‘more’. We can’t wait for a July barbeque to put it through its paces.

MULLED VIEUX CHATEAU DU ROI

23 litres or 31 bottles (approx).

Made in 4 weeks

Price: $164.49 in store only

We have played with mulling spices a few times. It needs the right red and a balance of spices. We are happy enough with the result to finally post the result. This is a wine that can be enjoyed at room temperature or warmed and, of course, we tried both.

At room temperature the nose is cinnamon and cloves. In the mouth you first taste the wine, with the raspberry and plum of the VCDR predominating. These are followed by subtle citrus from lemon and orange zest, then smooth cinnamon, cloves and finally red wine with long mellow finish. It tastes of crisp nights and campfires. And it is really pleasant to drink. Warm the nose has cinnamon and cloves, but is transformed by citrus notes. In terms of taste, the wine and spice come together, and pleasantly so. Citrus builds and the flavours of star fruit are stronger. It is like a little hug; enveloping and cozy.

Given the presence of the spices, we wouldn't recommend the cost of he six-week VCDR.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE DESSERT WINE

30 x 375 mL bottles

6 Week/11.5 Litre
Price: $199.99 in store only

Après Dessert Wine

We have been asked many times to bring back Chocolate Orange version of 'you-know-what', and now, thanks to Nora the Explora, we can! It is everything you would expect; rich flavours of that famous style, overlaid with orange notes and hints of chocolate. Actually, the chocolate is more a demand than a hint!

In this case YOU must fortify at bottling.

SOUTHERN HOLLOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON

23 litres or 31 bottles (approx).

Made in 4 weeks
Price: $189.49 in store only

Now don't misunderstand us, our 4-week reds are great easy-drinking wines. Actually, many are much more than that; they have depth and complexity, and age well. However, we have hankered after the richness of our RESERVE and PRIVATE RESERVE wines straight from bottling. Southern Hollow Cab Sauv uses genuine bourbon barrel oak to give a rich and smooth red. Don't try it, you won't go back.

BOURBON BARREL

23 litres or 31 bottles (approx).

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store only

Bourbon Barrel was a Limited Release wine two years ago. Genuine Bourbon Barrel oak chips bring a rich smoothness that was enjoyed by many of our customers, and equally missed when it was gone. But fear not, we can bring you a fabulous Bourbon Barrel once again. Blind-tasted, our Old Vine Zinfandel Bourbon Barrel was indistinguishable from the Limited Edition. Ok, maybe a little better. A big wine with rich rounded flavours.

NEW ZEALAND FUMÉ

23 litres or 31 bottles (approx).

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store only

Sauvignon Blanc is famous as a crisp wine with clear acidity and grassy notes. However, a rich and ripe Sauvignon Blanc can actually be quite weighty and have strong tropical fruit character. These wines lend themselves to oak, and where has this reached its peak? New Zealand. Our 8-week Californian Sauvignon Blanc sits in the middle ground; grassy notes and acidity combined beautifully with juicy fruits and a nose of grapefruit and passionfruit. And it lends itself to a gentle oak. This brings complexity, notes of spices such as cinnamon and allspice, and a creaminess. A fantastic aged wine that is proving very popular.