This is the season of wine distributor
roadshows and wine judging competitions.
Yesterday’s roadshow with Negociants NZ yielded some beauties that we’ll
look at stocking.
The Palliser Estate, Nautilus and Saint Clair
range of wines were exemplary as can be expected. I liked the 2008 vintage Pinot Noirs for
their plumpness and juiciness, and the 2007 Pinot Noirs looked ageworthy in a
classical sense. Don’t write off the
2008 Marlborough Sauvignons yet. Some,
like the Auntsfield are drinking superbly.
Chardonnays are so good nowadays and Ngatarawa’s ‘Alwyn’ 2007 and Black
Barn Barrel Fermented 2007 outstanding.
Alpha Domus have a smart 2007 Syrah, Huia’s Gewurztraminer 2008 plus the
beautifully textured Vinoptima Gewurztraminer 2004 also stood out.
However, look out for the Urlar wines from
Gladstone. Angus and Davina Thomson have
Guy McMaster making the wine from their well-sited
and carefully tended vineyards. Regional
will be stocking the range very soon.