EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY PHIL PARKER: FRESH AIR

Now that the masks and mandates are largely gone it is time for a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.

It has been a tough time for us all, and Auckland pretty well bore the brunt of restrictions and lockdowns. So far, (touch wood), I have escaped the virus and I am very grateful for the double jabs and two boosters – plus a sensible mask policy. But now, I can largely retire my trusty reusable merino wool filter mask and go about in public bare-faced for a change. It is so refreshing to be able to go to a café, shop or supermarket without fumbling in my pocket for the ever-present mask.

Here’s to a return to some sort of normalcy! I’ll drink to that.

Poppies Martinborough Rose 2021 - $55 Crisp, crunchy and dry. A full flavoured and rich palate of watermelon, cherry, almond and plum. All dressed up in an elegant tall bottle with a glass stopper. Great as a slightly chilled aperitif. Available: poppiesmartinborough.co.nz

Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Washington USA Chardonnay 2020 - $23 Crisp and elegant with subtle flavours. Light oak influence with lime, marzipan, creamy yeast and soft acids. Good food match for a rich and creamy chicken, seafood, or pasta dish. Available: Pt. Chev Organic Wines, Caros

Cupcake Vineyards Monterey County California Chardonnay 2020 - $28 Another surprisingly subtle style of chardonnay from the USA. Creamy yeast, with tangy lemon curd, nougat and toasted almond. Match with oysters or a creamy pasta. Available: Herne Bay Cellars blackmarket.co.nz

Pegasus Bay North Canterbury Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2019 - $100 (I mistakenly reviewed this wine as the 2021 vintage last month). Pegasus Bay’s premium pinot noir nails it again. Cherry, poached tamarillo, dark chocolate and umami soy all play on the palate – with a soft and lengthy finish. Food match: venison or rabbit. Veg option – pasta with truffle and mushroom sauce. Available: Caros, pegasusbay.com

Knappstein Clare Valley Shiraz 2020 - $23 Ripe and plummy Aussie great value shiraz, with black currant, blackberry, leathery spice and dark chocolate. Would be a fab match for a hearty venison casserole. Available: blackmarket.co.nz

Penfolds Bin 386 Cabernet Shiraz McLaren Vale 2020 - $100 Integrated palate of spiced plum, black cherry, cassis, herbs and leather all bound up in medium tannins. Match with hearty beef dishes or spicy ratatouille. Available: widely.

Penfolds Grange 2018 - $1,000 Recognised as one of the world’s great wines, Grange is the iconic wine of south Australia. This vintage is 97% shiraz and 3% cabernet sauvignon. Aromas of black berry fruit, chocolate and baking spices. A dense and juicy ripe palate of plum pudding, liquorice, cassis, spiced poached Black Doris plums and black berry with hints of baba au rhum and cranberry. Medium tannins and a long finish. One to cellar while planning the ultimate food match! (PHIL PARKER)  PN

FINE WINE & FOOD TOURS

“No. 2 Auckland Wine Tour” – TripAdvisor

Your host, Phil Parker wine writer.

Affordable tours for small and large groups.

E: phil.parker@xtra.co.nz www.finewinetours.co.nz

SCAPEGRACE AT DIDA’S

There's a new name in our local whisky scene, one you’ll have heard of.

Scapegrace is a recognised brand for spirit-loving Kiwis, boasting multiple global golds, winning ‘Best London Dry Gin In The World’ from London’s IWSC and known as inventors of the world’s first naturally black gin.

Scapegrace have always been destined to embark upon a single malt journey, joining our modest but supremely successful craft distilleries in showcasing our single malt whisky to the world. Their new distillery is nestled on the banks of Central Otago’s Lake Dunstan, which is traversed by the pristine alpine waters of New Zealand’s longest river, the dynamic Mata-Au. Central Otago is a land of extremes, delivering hot summers and cold winters, the rigorous elements ultimately affecting the angel’s share, the aging process and the way the spirit interacts with the wood.

While this long-awaited first release is stamped with the Scapegrace name, it links back to Central Otago’s past, carrying the mark of local distillers Doug Lawry and his son Anthony. The first limited edition batch of four bottlings includes wood-dominant whiskies of varying age state-ments, non-chill filtered and aged in virgin French oak, with the exception of the Timbre IV, aged in Bulgarian oak.

Would you like to try these limited edition whiskies? Come on in to Dida’s this month, we have all four of these available.  PN

DIDA’S, 60 Jervois Road, T: 376 2813, www.didaswinelounge.co.nz

SCAPEGRACE

The NEW Scapegrace Single Malt Limited Edition Release Pouring now at Dida's

60 JERVOIS RD (09) 376 2813 DIDAS.CO.NZ

SINGLE MALT