Sour grapes don’t make for great wine! James Agnew, who has a family-run vineyard in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley and is the former chair of the NSW Wine Strategy, stated ”New Zealand savs are the McDonald’s of wines”. “You can go all over the world but a Big Mac is still a Big Mac.” The
[continue reading...]

Marlborough, The King Of NZ Pinot! Whilst tasting my way through Pinot 2013 three things struck me. There’s a vein of similarity that runs through waipara Pinot Noir, Central Otago produce the most consistent in quality, yet Marlborough produces the best, and some of the poorest Pinot Noir. Seresin’s Sun and Moon Pinot Noir is,
[continue reading...]

2008 Old School Single Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir First day back and the wine that I’m recommending is a blinder. Usually found on the shelves for $42 or more, this wine has good pedigree. The wineries loss, unfortunately, is your gain. From the Tarras region of Central Otago. 90/100 from Parkers Wine Advocate and
[continue reading...]

Duncan Forsythe lit the room up with a ribbing of Sam Neil and kicking Pinot 2013 Day 2 off. With quick wit and some dry and self deprecating humour introduced the days program and speakers. First keynote of the day was Mike Bennie. Mike talked about authenticity, talking the talking, and now having to walk the walk.
[continue reading...]

It’s nice to be surprised every now and then. Actually, it’s nice to be surprised fullstop. So when there were a few wineries names that I wasn’t overly familiar with, at the Pioneers tasting, it was more than welcomed. Along with the usual suspects of Ata Rangi Neudorf, Schubert, Pyramid Valley, Craggy Range and Dry
[continue reading...]