While I was in New Zealand I got to try quite a few older New Zealand Sauvignons. Of course, most punters want the latest vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and…
Do biodynamic wines have ‘energy’? Millton Riverpoint Viognier 2014
Do biodynamic wines have an energy to them? This idea will probably really, really annoy some readers – especially the scientific ones – because in order to answer this question,…
In New Zealand: Oz Clarke’s remarkable paean to Sauvignon Blanc
So, the Sauvignon Blanc conference. Two and a half days focusing on this grape, which New Zealand has made its own. Talks and tastings; dinners and parties. And welcoming Blenheim…
In NZ, day 5, Marlborough – Huia, Astrolabe and Matua
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…
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…
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…