Up early today, for another series of interviews with scientists involved with the Sauvignon Blanc research program. Again, I learned a great deal.

Pictured above is a vial of isobutylmethoxypyrazine, the chemical naturally produced by grapes that has been such a signature of Marlborough Sauvignon.

Then this evening I began with another beer at Dodson Street (Renaissance Pale Ale), followed by dinner at Hotel D’Urville, which was very good. I chose the wines, and Pinot Noir was the theme.

We had two Marlborough Pinot Noirs that were both exceptional: Montana Festival Block 2007 and Seresin Leah 2008. Beautifully elegant and complex, showing that Marlborough is capable of greatness.