Greenhough 2008 Gewürtztraminer
Greenhough consistently receive top accolades around the world for their Rieslings and now with Gewürtz in the mix people are taking even more notice. The third Gewürtztraminer release for Greenhough, this wine has heady aromas of citrus zest with a palate of rich, oily oriental spices, fresh florals (honeysuckle and jasmine) and flavours of citrus, tropical pineapple, mango and a lingering savoury spice. Tiny stocks are on Irish soils – a rare offering from New Zealand.

Muddy Water 2008 Rosé
Scarce as Hen’s teeth, there was no Rose from Muddy Water in 2007 to follow up on the fantastic 2006 vintage. This is a wonderful luncheon option or aperitif. Don’t miss out, it will be sold out rapid fire. An off-dry style packed with strawberry cream characters and a crisp mineral finish, a tad drier than the 2006 vintage.

Greenhough 2008 Apple Valley Riesling (low alcohol – 9.5%)
2007 marked this popular new addition with a lower alcohol style from Greenhough. The new vintage 2008, has a purity of fresh-scented citrus flower and zest aromas, the palate is at first sweet and full of racy lemon, lime and apple flavours, but then finishing mouth-wateringly dry and fresh. The 2007 vintage is equally delicious, both available in Ireland. Top aperitifs.

Bilancia 2007 Viognier
One of New Zealand’s newly emerging varieties, the Bilancia Viognier from the tiny terraced La Collina vineyard, is a rich, stylish wine with hints of citrus blossom and stonefruit on the nose and lush stonefruits and spice on the palate. The ripeness of fruit gives a textural oiliness on the palate. Very old barrels used in fermentation contribute to the structure without adding oakiness to the aroma or flavour.

Bilancia 2006 La Collina Syrah (collector’s item)
KING OF NEW ZEALAND SYRAH IN IRELAND:
Fast appreciating as one of New Zealand’s top Syrahs, just 2000 bottles of this third release La Collina were produced. A classic Syrah with Rhône like aromas leading to a fine palate layered with flavours not generally found in Southern Hemisphere reds. Deep garnet in colour, the La Collina is rich, generous and complex – blueberry and pepper scents, along with apple and spice notes, black fruits, espresso, dark chocolate, dried herbs, lifted pepper and nutmeg spice – backed by fine dry tannins. This is a rare treat from New Zealand.

Muddy Water 2006 Pinotage
The 2006 is a classic. Dark, deep garnet colour with cherries and rustic overtones on the nose. Big structured, robust and sweetfruited in a soft forward style with smooth tannin structure. Full and long on the palate, aged in the best French oak for 14 months. Think Pinot Noir with an earthy note and a lot more muscle.