Kingsley looked at me a little oddly when I said I was looking for a Rosé wine. He politely informed me, that here in Auckland, we stop drinking rosé at the end of March and pointed me in the direction of a meagre collection of lonesome rosés - a couple of Spy Valley , a few Ata Rangi ....and what have we hiding at the back - an Esk Valley. Not just Hawkes Bay's finest, but New Zealand's finest Rosé, Kingsley informs me. I was won over as soon as I saw the grape varietals were actually listed on the front of the bottle and not hidden away in the fine print on the back.
Details: from the winemaker
Colour: Gorgeous.
Nose: Strawberries.
Legs: Longer than Mel, shorter than Elle.
Mouth: Fruity, some spice, crisp finish. Pour me another please.
Food: Perfect with our chicken salad at lunch.
Music: Cesaria Evora
Buy: NZ$19.95. Check here for international distributors.
Verdict: Nice, but not as good as my favourite rosés from Western Australia.
Trivia: Not one New Zealand rosé has ever been awarded a gold medal.
Thanks to this months host Becks. After May 10th check out the final round up over at her site Becks and Posh
