As with harvest 2018, the earliest we have had in Waipara, the new season also looks very early. We have definitely had a milder winter and my sons Pete and Ben hope we get more snow as they are keen snow boarders. We hope the season stays cold for a while to delay bud burst as early bud burst opens the possibility of damaging Spring frosts

On another note I have to wonder about the merits of Dry July, who comes up with this stuff.

Seems like a recipe to encourage binge drinking after you finally finish Dry July. We think a far more responsible approach is moderation and regular enjoyment of wine with food to enhance your appreciation of both. My final thoughts on this matter with tongue in cheek are as follows;

Not drinking wine may or may not allow you to live longer but it sure as hell will seem longer.

In any case it is time to get a case.

We have platters and tasty light meals available for lunch mid-afternoon. As this is a new venture for us we need bookings if food is required. Bookings or not you are always welcome to visit and try our wines. We think our wines are the best value for money in the valley and we do have a great range that should cater for all tastes.

2018 Torlesse Chardonnay

Probably the first wine you will try from the 2018 Vintage. Fresh peach and a hint of spicy oak. Clean crisp and fresh. Have it with fresh Oysters >> A bargain at $14 per bottle

2016 Torlesse Riesling

Granny Smith apples, lime juice and citrus on the bouquet. Depth on the palate with ripe fruit a hint of

sweetness balanced by a crisp finish. Great to drink now but will live for another 5-10 years.

Winemakers love Riesling for its purity and elegance plus the ability to age and reward cellaring.

Try some and find out why. >> Great buy at $14 per bottle

Torlesse Port AKA 10 Year Old Tawny

And a new label for our tried and true Port. We are reluctantly becoming politically correct . As you may or may not know, to be called Port the wine should come from Oporto in Portugal so we are now calling our Port...10 year Old Tawny. A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet..some one famous said that. You all know how good this is, you had better get some now. >> At $30 my Old Tawny is excellent value.

2011 Omihi Road Pinot Noir

Are you tired of drinking 1-2 year old Pinot Noirs, we have the answer. Held back to allow this wine to show the virtues of bottle age. This wine is rich, savoury and complex. This wine usually costs a lot more. Grab some for yourself or a discerning friend.>> Our best special at $25 per bottle

2016 Albarino 

** Silver Trophy at the Canterbury Wine Awards.

** Silver at the Bragato Awards

A great buy and it offers a different taste. Astute wine critic Yvonne Lorkin, has noted the potential of this wine and has included it in her WineFriend selections. The Albarino just missed Gold at the Bragato wine awards but a solid Silver is still a great result. It has distinctive fruit coupled with a hint of sweetness but balanced by crisp acidity

Match with Paella. Mates rate of $14 per bottle. Much more at the cellar door

2013 Torlesse Cabernet Merlot

Hints of black currant and mint, typical of Cabernet with some fleshy raspberry from the Merlot and balanced by some toast and cigar box oak flavours. >> Pretty damn good value at $15 per bottle

2011 Omihi Road SVR Merlot.

It has great colour, a complex aroma that is just starting to show hints of cigar box and a firm palate that will soften with time A VERY limited release, great drinking now but will cellar for years to come.

SVR means Single Vineyard Release. Antipodean Xmas is getting closer, the perfect gift and would bring a smile of gratitude from any significant other. >>Grab some at $35 per bottle, significantly more at the cellar door.

2011 Omihi Road Pinot Noir

Are you tired of drinking 1-2 year old Pinot Noirs, we have the answer. Held back to allow this wine to show the virtues of bottle age. This wine is rich, savoury and complex. This wine usually costs a lot more. Grab some for yourself or a discerning friend.>> Our best special at $25 per bottle

2014 Omihi Road Gewurztraminer

** 2 Golds and a Trophy

Another Yvonne Lorkin recommendation and we have loved this wine during the colder months

Seems quite a few took my advice in the last newsletter so I will repeat it. Get the wok out .Take some of your favourite ingredients, add some spice to your life with a little [or a lot] of curry or chilli.

Noodles or rice as the base , add a slurp of gold medal or two , sprinkle on a Trophy and your next meal should be fun. This wonderful wine has full flavour, rose petal and lychee on the aroma, a hint of sweetness but great balance. Give the partner a break from food preparations and do something special at home or take the easy way and get some takeaway. Just make sure you have the Gewurztraminer. >> Earn lots of goodwill with this special at $17.50

Now we need to consider another favourite

Torlesse Creme de Cassis [Black Currant Liqueur]

You must have some of this. We think Cassis and your favourite Spirit is great

It is also perfect in bubbles. Great in cocktails and desserts can move to another level with a suitable infusion of Cassis.>> Winter Special at $27

Torlesse White Cap Range

You will think you have opened the good stuff but it has only set you back a crazy$12, $12,$12.

This must be the best value for money deal going. Share the news or wine with friends and get some quick. >>Only $12

• 2017 Torlesse White Cap Chardonnay
• 2015 Torlesse White Cap Riesling
• 2017 Torlesse White Cap Sav Blanc
• 2016 Torlesse White Cap Pinot Gris

Throw in a 2014 White Cap Pinot Noir. >>$13 per bottle

IMPORTANT NOTES

Freight: $11 per case freight will apply on all purchases.

Legal Age: I am also compelled to again make sure you are legally able to purchase alcohol. Ordering any products from Torlesse Wines will be taken as a declaration that you are legally able to purchase wine.