On my recent trip to Kiwiland I saw an interesting innovation that looks set to save growers lots of money. It’s called the Klima (www.klima.co.nz): a mechanical gizmo that strips…
Sweet wine season, 13: Trinity Hill Noble Viognier
The sweet wine season is not yet over, even though the Alsace one has begun. It’s not been long that we’ve had New Zealand’s generally excellent sweet wines available in…
Another good Kiwi red: Crossroads Winery Syrah 2008
This is nice. A good example of Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels subregion in Hawkes Bay. It’s by the Crossroads Winery, part of the Ager Sectus group that includes Southbank…
Back from NZ, some more pictures
Arrived back this afternoon. Flight was made uncomfortable by a cold that I’ve developed. I’m now feeling a bit lousy. So I don’t really feel up to anything more than…
Man O’War – spectacular vineyards on Waiheke Island
Today was brilliant. My friend Andrew and I visited Man O’ War vineyards on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Waiheke is almost impossibly beautiful, and Man…
In Auckland with the Hems
Yesterday was great. Spent it with Wine Marlborough. First, a superb tasting of a range of very interesting Marlborough wines, including some superb Pinot Noir and a really fantastic Syrah….
Greetings from chilly Auckland
It’s a bad idea to plan travel to the southern hemisphere during the heights of a lovely English summer. I’ve traded sun and 28 degrees for wind, rain and grey…
Jackson Estate Gum Emperor Pinot Noir
Another good NZ Pinot Noir. It’s Jackson Estate’s Gum Emperor, from Marlborough. While this isn’t New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir region, the best examples are brilliant, and this is one…
Montana Sauvignon Blanc and the oddly priced Reserve
Montana’s Sauvignon Blanc is almost always a benchmark example of the Marlborough style, made in large quantities (so you can find it everywhere) and sold at an affordable price. I…