Latest news with #PegasusBay
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Good to add variety to your wine flavour palette
2020 Pegasus Bay Maestro Merlot Malbec Price RRP $67 Rating Outstanding Delightful perfume soars from the glass, backed by earth, tobacco, humus, a core of sweet, ripe fruit. Sumptuous, luscious, fine tannins in perfect balance with the fruit depth. Ripe yet not ''sweet'', lovely energy and freshness with wonderful carry. Picks up a hint of chocolate, tannins now more evident, circling the palate. Flavours hang on the finish. Really smart. 2021 Saint Clair Plateau Block 17 Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot Price RRP $42 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Plum, blueberry, darker, more brooding, a wisp of crushed leaf. Super depth of flavour, fine tannins underpinning it all, notes of blackcurrant and leaf fill the palate, ripe, engaging and attractively dry. The nose develops wonderful fragrance driven by leaf nuances, opening up beautifully, growing in power, yet remaining wonderfully light on its feet. Super. 2023 Riverby Estate Single Vineyard Marlborough Syrah Price RRP $28 Rating Excellent Perfumed, sweetly fruited, spice, a wisp of toffee. Real juiciness to the fruit, freshly crushed summer berries, more medium-weighted, open for business with real drinkability, feeling ready to enjoy now. Air time brings a change as this gathers weight and depth, spice notes, a cooling feel to it, showing the more serious side of its charms. 2021 Pegasus Bay Cabernet Franc Price RRP $38 Rating Excellent Bolder, darker fruited, brooding yet fresh as it flirts with some crushed leaf, a touch of gunflint with air. Blackcurrant and dark plum notes, that darker side matched by wonderful freshness as the acidity gets into gear. Bright, juicy, crunchy vibrancy that just screams ''drink me''. Lovely, crisply fresh close with great carry. Another glass please? 2022 Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah Price RRP $24.99 Rating Very Good to Excellent Red fruits, fruit pastille that leans towards Turkish delight, spices. Youthful, fresh, a tangy zestiness reminding me of cranberry, picking up lead pencil influences on nose and palate with time, also an iron filings-like minerality, bright acidity adding to the freshness. Very easy drinkability, all about the refreshing tanginess. Seasons - By Alison Lambert - Available for purchase now! The Otago Daily Times and Alison have collaborated to bring you her first cookbook – Seasons. This book is the ultimate year-round cookbook. Seasons is filled with versatile recipes designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, offering plenty of ideas for delicious accompaniments and standout dishes that highlight the best of what each season has to offer. $49.99 each. Purchase here. $44.99 for ODT subscribers. Get your discount code here.
National Geographic
25-05-2025
- National Geographic
6 of the best road trips in New Zealand
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). In Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand, which is often translated as 'the land of the long white cloud'), life moves at a slower pace so taking your time while hitting the wide-open road is the best way to experience it. Meander through mountain ranges and past pancake rocks to wineries and whale-watching spots on New Zealand's wild South Island, while on the North Island, take a leisurely journey around extinct volcanos to secluded beaches, thermal pools and sea life-packed marine reserves, stopping in characterful rural towns along the way. Here are six of the best road trips to plan in New Zealand. South Island 1. Christchurch to Fox Glacier via Greymouth and Punakaiki Best for: glaciers Starting from Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, head west and witness a dramatic change from the flat farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the mountainous high country of the Southern Alps. Pass cascading waterfalls and cheeky kea (large green parrots endemic to the alpine region) as you travel over Arthur's Pass National Park to reach Greymouth, the West Coast's biggest town. Try your hand at panning for gold at Shantytown, before taking a short detour north to Punakaiki to see the self-explanatory Pancake Rocks and the tidal blowholes, which blast sea spray through natural holes in the coastal rock formations. Then, head back south to reach Franz Josef and see its legendary glacier — named by geologist Julius von Haast after an Austrian emperor, the 7.5-mile river of ice is New Zealand's steepest temperate glacier. Finally, it's less than a 30-minute drive to its big brother, the 8.1-mile-long Fox Glacier, and nearby Lake Matheson, which reflects the snow-capped mountains on its dark, glass-like surface. Franz Josef Glacier was named by geologist Julius von Haast after an Austrian emperor and is New Zealand's steepest temperate glacier. Photograph by Matthew Micah Wright; Getty Images 2. Christchurch to Nelson via Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura Best for: vineyards Head north from Christchurch through Canterbury's wine region, its countryside strewn with vineyards and plenty of boutique wineries, such as Pegasus Bay and Terrace Edge. Stay overnight and sample the region's best libations, before taking a detour inland to Hanmer Springs, an alpine village with tranquil geothermal pools tucked into the thick, green forest. Its zigzagging woodland trails are also popular with hikers and mountain bikers. After a relaxing dip, take the scenic Inland Road (Route 70), which winds east towards the seaside town of Kaikōura. Stop for a whale- and dolphin-watching boat tour with Whale Watch Kaikōura, before continuing along the coastline to Ohau Point, where hundreds of fur seals can be seen sunbathing on the roadside rocks. From there, it's less than a 90-minute drive to Blenheim, a sun-soaked town at the heart of balmy Marlborough — New Zealand's largest wine region, and home to over 160 wineries from world-renowned Cloudy Bay to local Hans Herzog Estate. Then, follow State Highway 6 towards Nelson, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park and its eponymous coast track, where golden-sand beaches and bright blue waters tempt hikers and kayakers. (The inside guide to Christchurch, New Zealand's southern belle.) 3. Queenstown to Dunedin via Te Anau and the Catlins Best for: fiords Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, is a great starting point for a southern road trip. If you're feeling brave, begin with a spine-tingling bungee jump at the famous Kawarau Bridge. Then, it's around a two-hour drive through the rolling mountains to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Cruise across to the western shore of Lake Te Anau and tour the glittering Glowworm Caves, before making your way to Milford Sound — take a boat cruise to see the tranquil fiord, thundering waterfalls and views of the surrounding peaks at their best. Next, skirt the rugged south coast and the eastern boundary of Fiordland National Park to New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill. Nearby, try plump, sweet oysters fished from the ice-cold Foveaux Strait in the port town of Bluff. From here, it's easy to explore the windswept landscapes of The Catlins, including the roaring Purakaunui Falls and the steep headland of Nugget Point Lighthouse, en route to Dunedin. The coastal city is known for its eclectic mix of Māori and Scottish heritage, and is home to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle. Milford Sound is often said to be the most beautiful view in all of New Zealand. Photograph by Michael Rucker; Getty Images North Island 4. Auckland to Cape Reinga via Waitangi and Bay of Islands Best for: history Situated between two harbours, Auckland is built on 48 extinct volcanic cones, which make up the unique, hilly landscape of New Zealand's largest city. Visit the 1,075ft-tall Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city before driving two hours north to Whangārei, where the coastal Pōhutukawa trees (also known as New Zealand Christmas trees) blaze bright red in summer and Whangārei Heads road skirts wild white-sand beaches. Make a quick detour northeast to Tutukaka, stopping along the way to see the 85ft-high Otuihau Whangārei Falls cascading over basalt cliffs. The sheltered bay of Tutukaka is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands — a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear water and colourful sea life. Then, continue northbound to the relaxed town of Paihia at the heart of the subtropical Bay of Islands. Cruise to the outer islands for swimming and dolphin-watching or take a ferry to the romantic township of Russell, New Zealand's first capital. Be sure to include a stop at Waitangi on your itinerary. The Treaty of Waitangi that laid out the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony was signed here in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs — it's one of New Zealand's most significant sites to learn about the country's history and Māori culture. Next, weave through the countryside to reach the very top of New Zealand. From here, follow State Highway 1 to the sandy Ninety Mile Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Cape Reinga. An annual celebration is held at the Te Whare Rūnanga, the carved meeting house on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, marking the signing of the treaty in 1840. Photograph by Image Professionals GmbH; Alamy 5. Auckland to Whakatāne via the Coromandel and Tauranga Best for: beaches Launch off from Auckland and journey southeast to pioneer-style town Thames, built during New Zealand's gold rush and now part of one of the country's top cycle routes, the Hauraki Rail Trail. North of the town, follow the rocky shoreline to the laid-back beaches of the Coromandel peninsula. While beach-hopping around the Coromandel, be sure to stop on the east coast of the peninsula to see the awing archways of Cathedral Cove and dig your own pool at Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand. On your way back down south, pause in sandy Whangamatā for a swim or surf, take a trip to Mayor Island, a dormant volcano rising from the seafloor, or head straight to Tauranga where plenty of opportunities to take a fishing charter, snorkelling excursion or dolphin-watching tour await. Nearby, hike up Mount Maunganui, known locally as 'The Mount', for unbeatable ocean views. Drive along the Bay of Plenty coastline to one of the sunniest spots in the country, Whakatāne, where the beachside road is bordered by lush cabbage trees and ferns, and dotted with pick-your-own berry farms. (10 of the best hotels in Auckland.) 6. Wellington to Gisborne via Napier and Wairoa Best for: culture On your way north after exploring the museums, brewhouses and cafes of New Zealand's quirky capital Wellington, pass through a series of rural towns to Napier, known for its 1930s art deco buildings — a devastating earthquake in 1931 lead to the city being rebuilt in the style and the town now hosts an Art Deco Festival each February. From here, hike, cycle or drive up Te Mata Peak for sweeping views of Napier and the Māhia Peninsula. Nearby, walk the Cape Kidnappers track along the beach to a gannet colony. Next, head north to Wairoa, a rural town that serves as the gateway to the rugged hill country of Te Urewera, where nearly all species of the country's native birds flit through the greenery. Te Urewera is the first natural feature in New Zealand to be recognised by law as a living person — government ownership of Te Urewera National Park was transferred to its legal guardians, the Tūhoe people, in 2014, while the rainforest was officially documented as its own legal entity. Finally, drive along the fern-shrouded coastal route from Wairoa towards sunny Gisborne, stopping for a dip at the Morere Hot Springs along the way. Gisborne, known to locals as 'Gizzy', is the first city in the world to see the sun each morning in the Southern Hemisphere summer, while the rays hit the peak of Maunga Hikurangi, the sacred mountain of the Ngāti Porou people, even earlier. (6 adventures to try in New Zealand, from bouldering to bungy jumps.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Otago Daily Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Singing the praises of cellaring
Ageing gracefully. No, I haven't suddenly become an influencer spruiking a brand of skin cream, nor am I recommending a regimen of calisthenics for your facial muscles, but I do want to talk about the rewards of cellaring wine. Famous Australian wine company Penfolds takes the concept of cellaring seriously, and every few years arranges a tasting of deep verticals of all their wines, with both local and international experts reviewing their progress. Their tasting notes are summarised and compiled by Andrew Callaird MW into the Rewards of Patience book, which is an invaluable tool for collectors to monitor their own cellars. The current (2021) edition is the eighth in the series. Penfolds also host re-corking clinics internationally where collectors are invited to bring in their (generally) top wines for assessment and possible re-corking. Young wines with perfect fills are normally not opened. Older bottles, and those showing a bit of ullage, are opened and checked. Bottles that are out of condition are returned with the advice to drink them shortly, bottles in good shape are topped up with the current vintage of the same wine, re-corked and capsuled, with a certificate from the re-corking clinic. Bottles with this sort of provenance can be highly prized at auction. Sometimes it can seem like the concept of cellaring wine has become old hat, and statistics do suggest that the majority of wine is consumed fairly shortly after being purchased; however, there are still enough zealots out there that love to experience the magical alchemy that time in the bottle can bring. I'm fortunate to have several friends who share a similar passion and get-togethers invariably see interesting bottles out of our respective cellars. To be fair, the vast majority of wine is meant to be enjoyed relatively youthfully, with the sub $20 category in the super or bottle shops mostly falling into that realm (that $7.99 ugly duckling bottle in the super is not going to become a graceful swan with ten years of cellaring). There can be surprising exceptions of course, but this can often relate to particular vintages. Nor does wine have to cost hundreds of dollars (Penfolds Grange is now about $1000 a bottle!) to be cellar-worthy, with so many great wines in the $30, $40 to $50 range. Here are three older wines that were a treat to try. In the case of Pegasus Bay they have done the cellaring for you, and these wines are available in the marketplace now. The Maude was from their own library stock and kindly shared as part of their 30th celebrations. 2014 Maude Mt Maude Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir RRP N/A Price Rating Excellent Colour development suggests an older wine, confirmed by the nose, with forest floor, earth and spice elements, the fruit neatly woven through the whole. Supple & rich, hints of milk chocolate & briary herbs, sweetness to the fruit and still some tannic grip apparent. Sumptuous, a velvety quality, fascinating to see what bottle age has given. Sweet rose-water on the close. 2015 Pegasus Bay Aged Release Pinot Noir 1 RRP $70 Price Rating Excellent to Outstanding The nose draws you in, darker fruits, forest floor, savoury aspects, nutty characters, a sense of some development, rose petal perfume unfurling with air. Mouthfilling, spice & savoury notes, graphite, blueberry, fine tannins lurking in the background, complexity. Lovely refinement, drinking superbly yet more gas in the tank. Such a treat to try this. 2015 Pegasus Bay Aged Release Prima Donna Pinot Noir RRP $130 Price Rating Outstanding It's all about the perfume, melded with forest floor notes and Christmas cake spices, the fruit equal to the task. A real step up in power and intensity, there's no doubt this is a big wine yet it carries it off with such poise and vibrancy. Great fruit depth, mushroom, spices again, a delightfully long carry, an underlying sense of development that shines a light on the rewards of cellaring.
