I’m just back from a rather magical few days in the South Island of New Zealand, a trip which took in two wine events (the Hanmer Southern Pinot workshop and…
Two Hermit Rams: distinctive, natural Pinot Noirs from North Canterbury
Theo Coles makes the wines of Kalex, in Central Otago. But he also has his own brand, Hermit Ram, which is based in North Canterbury. These two Pinot Noirs are…
Interesting Marlborough: exploring Gewurztraminer with Spy Valley
Spy Valley is a medium-sized winery in Marlborough terms, with 250 hectares of vineyards spread over four sites. The home site is in the Waihopai Valley, and when Bryan and…
Exploring Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
This year, the theme for the formal tasting at the Central Otago Pinot Celebration was Pinot from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The session was ably led by Elaine Brown,…
Air New Zealand’s Fine Wines of New Zealand tasting
This tasting highlighted some of the Air New Zealand Fine Wines of New Zealand Fine Wines of New Zealand. This selection is intended to recognize New Zealand’s benchmark fine wines,…
Sebastien Brunet Les Pentes de la Folie Vouvray
Another find at Scotch wine bar in Blenheim. So much Vouvray is disappointing, but this domaine, which Sébastien took over from his father in 2006, is making the most of…
Some nice wines at the Southern Pinot workshop
At each of the dinners at the Southern Pinot workshop in Hanmer, participants are encouraged to bring wines to dinner. This is a fun exercise, because there is no coordination,…
Oregon Pinot Noir: tasting 11 top examples blind
For the last few days I’ve been at the Southern Pinot Noir workshop at Hamner Springs. It’s an event that brings together winemakers from across New Zealand to taste and…
Adding appellations: developing new GIs and why conjunctive labelling is important
I’ve been involved in quite a few discussions of late about developing new appellations (technically, geographic indications [GIs]) in new world countries, particularly New Zealand. Currently, New Zealand only has…