Central Otago is well represented in the recently released 2017 Air NZ Fine Wines of New Zealand list.
Curated by five New Zealand masters of wine and one master sommelier, the list collates the finest New Zealand wines based on quality and track record.
A selection of these wines, chosen to drink well at altitude, will be poured in Air NZ's Business Premier Class over the coming year.
Central Otago wine's Burn Cottage, Felton Road (four wines across three categories), Prophets Rock, Quartz Reef, Rippon and Valli all retain their spots from last year. New additions to the list are Mishas Vineyard, Lowburn Ferry and Mt Edward.
Negociants
The annual fine wine showcase is moving around the country with wine-makers and winery principals from more than 20 New Zealand wineries pouring their wares at trade and public sessions. Light refreshments and Antipodes mineral water will be provided. The Coravin wine preservation system will also be showcased.
Pinot Palooza
Lovers of pinot noir may want to check their travel plans in September as Pinot Palooza is coming to Auckland on September 9 and Christchurch on September 16.
This event was a big hit in the lead up to Pinot Noir NZ 2017 in Wellington in January, having already made a splash across the Tasman.
Participating wineries are still being finalised but about 30 are expected.
Price: $29.90
Rating: Very good
Powerful nose offering toast and honey with a whisper of kero. Crisp, bright entry: honey again to the fore with baked apple and baking spices, a lick of lime cordial with time. Showing development and a chewy touch but nicely balanced with a good carry of flavours.
With its bright acid core, this would be a great food wine.
Price: $20.99
Rating: Very good
Smoke, burnt match, orange and mandarin. Textural and with nice breadth in the mouth, this leads with honey and citrus zest creating a bittersweet note which really works and creates a neat counterpoint to the mellow sweetness. A crunchy, chewiness to the close and lots of interest here.
Rather appealing.
Price: $29.90
Rating: Excellent
Inviting nose with honey and a citrus undercurrent. Creamy, rich entry, sweet and honeyed at first with citrus and apple, becoming drier as it moves through the palate.
A sweet & sour yin & yang here with a tangy grapefruit note and lipsmacking quality on the long close bringing a zestiness to neatly balance the fruit sweetness.
