This years’ IBA Retail and Supplier Awards were announced at the National Trade Workshop in Fiji – honouring the best performers in the IBA network. And the winners are: National Retailer of the Year 2016 Hastings Co-op SUPA IGA plus Liquor Wauchope – Lisa Attkins National Cellarbrations Retailer of the Year 2016 Cellarbrations Superstore at Torquay Hotel – Darren Carter National IGA Liquor Retailer of th…

Judges of  drinks trade and drinks bulletin’s Tasting Bench, recently reviewed the top ‘alternative red’ wines available in Australia. From tempranillo to sangiovese, these wines showcase how winemakers in Australia are developing and working with varietals not necessarily native to here, as well as the skill and expertise of winemakers across the world, either experimenting in their own right or showc…

Tequila Herradura has unveiled the fourth release from its ‘house’ series, Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2015. The new tequila – Directo de Alambique – is crafted from 100 per cent blue agave and fermented with natural yeast. Bottled without any prior barrel ageing, the tequila is a reflection of its name, which translates to “Direct from the Still”. This makes for a crystal- clear spirit with robust note…

The Christmas and New Year sense of adventure sees average spend skyrocket and consumers exploring more premium, and sometimes rare Champagnes. Is it the time of year that makes us lose our usual sensitivity to price? If that is the case, it’s nice to know you’re getting top quality when dipping into the ‘luxury compartment’ of the wallet. The three Champagnes below fit the bill when looking for something…

Pale straw colour and great value zesty Upper Hunter semillon. 2015 is a standout year, juicy and great palate weight – the acid is crisp and balanced. The 2015 will reward aging.

 

The Wine: Wirra Wirra 2013 Church Block Distributor:  Negociants Australia RRP: $22 ABV: 14.5% This cabernet blend from the McLaren Vale is known for over delivering at this price point. A full and robust wine that has plenty of life in it – the Wirra Wirra 2013 Church Block is a blend of cabernet (45 per cent), shiraz (35 per cent) and merlot (15 per cent) and comes in at a warm 14.5% ABV. RRP is just…

Only to be released in exceptional years, the Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 was presented to the industry this month, and it’s lived up to its billing. Senior Winemaker Matthew Byrne set out to make an exceptional wine celebrating the noble grape variety and the relationship it enjoys with the Margaret River region and, in particular, the Evans & Tate winemaking style evolved over 40 years….

The Wine: Cockfighter’s Ghost Reserve – Liqueur Verdelho

RRP: $35 (500ml)

ABV: 19.9%

Distributed by: Agnew Wines

Our view: Deep golden hue, vicious and heavy, raison and Christmas cake sweet aromas Honeycomb and good fruit sweetness on the palate. Enjoy with cheese.

The Wine:  Mataora 2014 Pinot Noir

RRP:  $34.95

Distributed by: The Wine Company

Our view:  Mataora, meaning “living” or “being alive” in Maori, is a Central Otago Winery set in the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The aroma presents with red cherries and the palate displays some oak tannins and ripe fruit (red berries and cherries).

The Wine: Blessington Road 2013 Chardonnay RRP: $24.95 Distributed by: The Wine Company Our view: Straw yellow appearance, melon and pear aroma. Melon appears again on the palate with intensity added by acid structure. The Wine: Blessington Road 2014 Pinot Noir RRP: $29.95 Distributed by:  The Wine Company Our view: The 2014 Pinot Noir from Blessington Road is 12.9% ABV, cherry red in appearance a…