The drive from the Waipara to Blenheim is an attractive one. Alas we faced grey skies and a bit of drizzle, but it was still very interesting. There’s something special…
Cotat Chavignol La Grande Côte Sancerre 1989 Loire, France
In advance of the Sauvignon Blanc symposium, Mike Weersing of Pyramid Valley opened this oldie for us when we visited. Sauvignon can age! Not always, but Cotat makes Sancerre in…
In NZ, day 4 – Waikari, North Canterbury, with Pyramid Valley and Bell Hill
The fourth day. By this stage, jet lag has dissipated and I’m fully into the itinerary. So I started the day with a quick run, had some poached eggs, and…
In NZ, Day 3 Waipara Valley with Alan McCorkindale and Black Estate
After a morning drive up from Waitaki, we headed into Christchurch to meet up with Alan McCorkindale and his partner Mary in the city. Alan was one of the pioneers…
Accessibility and interest: how we grow to like wines
David Huron, Professor of Music at Ohio State University, has written an absorbing book titled, Sweet anticipation: music and the psychology of expectation. When we listen to music, our relationship…
In NZ day 2, Ostler, Waitaki Valley
After leaving Central Otago, we drove to a wine region that I’d never visited before. It’s New Zealand’s newest and probably smallest wine region, the Waitaki Valley. A few years…
In NZ, day 2: Prophets Rock, Central Otago
Day 2 of this short visit to Central Otago began with Paul Pujol at Prophets Rock. This was an amazing visit. I’ve met Paul and tasted his wines a number…
New Zealand, day 1: Burn Cottage and Two Paddocks, Central Otago
Two more visits on the first day in Central Otago. Burn Cottage is an interesting project. It was started by American Marquis (pronounced Marcus) Sauvage, and he hired a stellar…
In New Zealand, day 1: Wanaka, Central Otago – Maude and Rippon
I’m back in Central Otago, for my fourth visit. I’m slowly beginning to understand a little about this remarkable wine region, and yesterday saw a lovely set of visits to…