Page 24 - pākuViews Autumn/Winter 2013

22 PAKU VIEWS ISSUE 7 AUTUMN/WINTER 2013
As most of you avid ‘winos’ know, here at
Golddiggers Tairua, we work closely with
Cuisine magazine to bring you a great
selection of their featured top-rated wines.
I am very excited this month, as at long last,
we have an extensive selection of top-rated NZ
Chardonnays that just happen to be a personal
favourite of mine… and absolutely perfect for
winter time imbibing!
Long under-rated, there are definite signs that
members of the ABC (anything but Chardonnay)
club are becoming few and far between as
modern day wine makers move from producing
the big oak bombs that were around a few years
ago to making a more elegant, fruit driven style of
this variety.
Top billing this month come from the Villa Maria
stable (NZ’s most awarded winery) where two
of their wines have been awarded the coveted,
outstanding 5 gold star award.
Both of Villas top-rated Chardonnays come from
the Hawkes Bay region. The single vineyard
Keltern is elegant, sleek and well balanced with
a fresh lime and biscuit mouthful as well as fine
acidity providing tautness and lift. The second
wine from Villa is their Black Label Reserve, a wine
where citrus scents mingle with lifted oak, toast
and gunflint panache that continue in the mouth.
A silky, creamy texture is wrapped around a firm
spine of acid making this a well proportioned wine
with subtle complexities.
Select 4.5 star rated Chardonnays are from the
Martinborough Vineyard, Lawson’s Dry Hills in
Marlborough and another Hawkes Bay beauty
Gary Barker,
Manager of
Golddiggers in
Tairua, shares
Cuisine Magazine’s
recommendations.
One of the disadvantages of wine is that it makes a man mistake words for thoughts. - Samuel Johnson
Cold Beer // Wine // Spirits
RTDs //Non-Alcoholic
in Elephant Hill. Martinborough’s
Chard is fleshy in texture offering a
core of plump, ripe, juicy fruit which
is nicely seasoned by biscuity oak. The aged
2009 Chard from Lawson’s is a wine that is deep
straw in colour, offering soft, lifted toasted scents.
Following on from the success that Elephant Hill
enjoyed with their top rated Merlot, comes their
highly rated Chardonnay – layers of sophistication
have been applied to a foundation of beautifully
ripe fruit resulting in a peach-meets-brioche
delight!
Chardonnays from Palliser Estate in
Martinborough, Cloudy Bay and St Clair from
Marlborough round out the chosen selection on
the stand.
One tip that I can give you to enjoy the best
from a Chardonnay is to serve it either at room
temperature, or if you prefer, lightly chilled at best.
Chardonnay is very versatile when it comes to
food matching. From seafood (chowder/scallops/
fresh oysters), to creamy pastas, chicken, pork
and duck – you won’t go wrong enjoying a glass of
Chard alongside!
Hop in to see us for a special 6 bottle mixed case
deal for $139.99 (worth $175) featuring a selection
of wines from the above wineries.
Pop by and get your free
Golddiggers Bar Tab Card.
Golddiggers rewards
customers with ‘Loyalty points’ for every purchase
over $10 (T&C apply). For every 100 points
accumulated you receive a $15 credit to be used
at your convenience!
Points do not expire and credits can be used at
all Goldiggers stores in the Coromandel and LK
(Liquor King) stores countrywide. Get your Bar
Tab Card now and start earning points as well
as taking advantage of other special offers and
discounts throughout the year!
Also ask about shop tastings and Tairua Wine
Club which meets monthly to enjoy wines from
featured wineries matched with food courses –
a great way to increase your knowledge while
learning about food and wine pairing.
Award-winning Colenso Café in Whenuakite has
long been known for flavoursome and unique
teas. Owner Ruth Pettitt began concocting tea
blends 25 years ago when she and husband Andy
first opened the café. She still occasionally snips a
few herbs from the fragrant garden – her gardenia
and lemon verbena is a customer favourite. Ruth
finds rare and delicious teas from all over. My
favourite is “Kawakawa Fire”, native NZ kawakawa
blended with warming lemongrass and ginger.
What a pleasant way to warm up this winter!
Julie and Jeff, owners of Punters Bar & Grill,
planned fun for everyone, every night this winter.
Kids even eat free on Sundays with a paying
adult for each. Special Poker or Pool competition.
Steak meals or Burger & Beer for only $20! Even
a courtesy van that picks you up and takes you
home for a gold coin donation. (See ad p8 for a list
of nightly fun.)
Recent visitors left with a ‘great taste in their
mouth’ after a short two-day stay in Tairua. One
wanted NZ lamb for dinner and smoked salmon
so we popped into Tairua Butchery. They loved
the loin chops we barbecued for dinner, but
couldn’t get over the salmon. It was awesome,
moist with incredible flavour. After stating it was
the best she’d ever had, we asked owner Brett
his secret to which he replied “just luck I guess”.
Somehow I think it’s more than that. Delve
into their secrets on Facebook. View photos of
smoked fish and even read labels telling where
the fish were caught.
Brunch at The Old Mill next day included their
decadent hot chocolate – served on a platter with
an extra shot of melted dark chocolate on the side
with the cutest chocolate duck – wow! One visitor
ordered the Eggs Florentine and exclaimed it was
“the best breakfast ever!”
All Things Organic is offering ‘awesome winter
discounts’. Pop in for popular home-made-n-
healthy soups on those chilly winter days – a
perfect quick lunch. Like their Facebook page to
learn yummy recipes and health tips.
TAll’s popular fresh baked pies are back! Better
be quick – they sell out early. Owner Margaret
Chick, who bakes savory and sweet goodies
everyday, now offers soups too. Marg wants to
develop the adjoining lot to benefit the community
and shares, “We want both garden and orchard,
so kids can even pick their own fruit”. She plans
to share the fresh produce with the food bank.
“Let’s get this project rolling by spring!” Contact
her if you can donate lumber, time, plants or other
items. 864 9500. The combo café/gift shop is on
Main Street. “Like” TAll on Facebook.
Mercury Bay Estate’s Cellar Door in Cooks
Beach has become popular with both visitors and
locals who enjoy a glass of wine while taking in
the stunning view overlooking the vineyard and
Mercury Bay. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, their
Rosé is proving to be a favourite. Hungry? Try one
of those gourmet platters of local foods they’ve
become famous for – or a bowl of yummy mussel
chowder. A popular platter is the ‘Mixed’ which
includes delicious Coromandel seafood and local
venison salami. Many of the local goodies on the
menu are available for purchase. The kitchen is
open on weekends only this winter, except with
prior bookings of 10 or more – wine sampling
available everyday. Great venue for private parties.
Check the website,www.mercurybayestate.co.nz
and of course LIKE them on Facebook.
Café
Capers
Café-hopping is a
great Winter activity
and here’s some offerings
that may help warm up your
season. – Tovi Daly