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The Bay Beats Bordeaux

The past year has seen a remarkable development in the recognition of the Bordeaux-varietal wines from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. A tasting event staged in Taupo where Gimblett Gravels reds were tasted blind alongside a number of prestige clarets, including First Growths, by a group of internationally respected palates, showed the New Zealand wines to sit as equals among the French wines, several of which were well over $1,000.00 per bottle. Such was the consternation that the event was recently repeated in the U.K. with a similar result. Simply, the Gimblett Gravels Bordeaux-varietal wines were in the same league and similar style as the famous Bordeaux wines, and were a fraction of the cost of them. The only reservation that comes to mind is the comparison of potential and longevity of the wines. But in the case of the original ‘Judgement of Paris’ tasting where Californian wines were compared to top Bordeaux, the Californian wines held their high standing even in repeat tastings decades later…..

Regional Wines has immense pleasure in offering two Gimblett Gravels wines where, no doubt, The Bay can beat Bordeaux. Quantities are extremely limited and orders will be fulfilled on a first-in basis:

Sacred Hill ‘The Helmsman’ Cabernet Merlot 2007
It was the 2005 and 2006 vintages of Sacred Hill’s ‘Helmsman’ that were among the top of the Gimblett Gravels contingent in the tastings comparing N.Z. against the likes of Chateaux Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild. These two vintages have long gone, but Regional Wines has received a small allocation of the new 2007 release, a wine from a year many critics rate as better than the previous two. From a ‘Deerstalkers’ site in the Gimblett Gravels, the ‘Helmsman’ 2007 is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and was matured in new French oak for 18 months. Blackcurrants, plums, spices and extremely fine-grained tannins. A ‘keeper’ in every sense. The wine was awarded gold and the Tom McDonald and Champion Classical Red Wine and Tom McDonald trophy at the 2009 Romeo Bragato Awards judged last week.

Newton-Forrest ‘Cornerstone’ Gimblett Gravels 2006
Bob Newton and John Forrest’s ‘Cornerstone’ vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels has a pedigree of providing fruit for award winning wines for over a decade. The extremely low yields from the gravel-based soils contribute to the intensity of the fruit. The Newton-Forrest ‘Cornerstone’ Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec has taken a multitude of golds and trophies and this 2006 ‘Cornerstone’ is no exception, awarded gold at this year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. This particular wine was also a star in the recent U.K. comparison, coming in sixth place after the likes of Chateaux Lafite-Rothschild, Angelus and Haut-Brion. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 7% Malbec, this was aged 18 months in 80% French and 20% American oak. Blackberries, plums, tobacco and spices feature on this layered, concentrated, but fine textured beauty.
Staff Recommendations

RAYMOND

You must stock up on 2008 vintage Martinborough Pinot Noir. It's a GREAT year. These must be the BEST VALUE from the two dozen we tasted...

DAVID

I attended an Advanced Bordeaux/Burgundy wine course and thoroughly enjoyed it..
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The Great Wines of Rioja
Monday 2 August, 6.00 pm start, Cost $90.00 pp. Limit 30 places

Weinbach Alsace 2007
Thursday 5 August, 6.00 pm start, Cost $75.00 pp, Limit 30 places

Drouhin Red Burgundy 2007
Monday 9 August, 6.00 pm start, Cost $115.00 pp, Limit 30 places

Yalumba with Jane Ferrari
Wednesday 11 August, 6.00 pm start, Cost $35.00 pp, Limit 30 people

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