Wine times

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Central Otago pinot noirs show the way

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Central Otago pinot noirs show the way

Congratulations to Alexandra’s McArthur Ridge wines for their 2022 Southern Tor Pinot Noir, which has just taken out one of the highly coveted Best in Show Awards in London.

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Cote of many colours

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Cote of many colours

Mark Henderson samples some earthy and spicy French reds.

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What’s on offer changes with each price range

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What’s on offer changes with each price range

Another bout of Pinot Noirs from Central today, covering three distinct price ranges: two in the $30s, two in the $50s and two in the $75-$80 bracket.

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London award shines light on NZ

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London award shines light on NZ

Anyone who has spent time living and working in London will have heard the announcements on the London Underground to "mind the gap".

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Overcoming internal hurdles to embrace rieslings

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Overcoming internal hurdles to embrace rieslings

The day I tasted these wines I bumped into an old friend, Bruce, who happens to be an ardent fan of both riesling and Gewurztraminer.

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Best way to taste region’s wines is to take a visit

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Best way to taste region’s wines is to take a visit

Time for a double header of Central Otago Pinot Noir with a mix today of established wineries and some of the first releases from a newcomer - Monte Christo from Alexandra/Clyde.

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Top placing for Felton Road winery

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Top placing for Felton Road winery

The publication The Real Review has just released its list of Top Wineries of New Zealand 2024 and I’m delighted to report that Felton Road Wines in Bannockburn has been crowned the No 1 winery.

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Raising a glass to sustainability

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Raising a glass to sustainability

Sustainability. While some may regard it as a bit of a buzzword, both the concept and style of farming/viticulture have been seriously embraced across our wine industry.

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Fruity ripeness of pinot gris but not too sweet

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Fruity ripeness of pinot gris but not too sweet

It has been a little while since I sat down to a selection of Pinot Gris and I was delighted with the showing of the assembled wines.

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

Two very different categories covered today with a trio of Hawke’s Bay reds from the Trinity Hill stable followed by a trio of pinot noirs.

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Extra notes add interest to palate

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Extra notes add interest to palate

I have really been enjoying the 2023 sav blancs I’ve been tasting recently — although there is one cheeky 2022 late release interloper among today’s lineup.

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

Held on the last Friday of March each year, Methode Marlborough Day celebrates the conclusion of the harvest for sparkling wines, which happens earlier than that for still wines.

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d’Arenberg’s Sgt Pepper’s moment?

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d’Arenberg’s Sgt Pepper’s moment?

A wine writer and moderator of a wine forum in the UK recently posed the question about wines moving in and out of fashion.

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If alcohol is removed from fermented wines, are they still wine?

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If alcohol is removed from fermented wines, are they still wine?

If you haven’t heard of NOLO wines then you certainly will, as the "no or lo alcohol" category seems to be burgeoning.

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Taking time for the road less travelled

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Taking time for the road less travelled

Regular readers will know my fondness for tasting and drinking widely so today’s wonderful selection was right up my alley.

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

It was exciting to sit down to this week's selection of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

Modern DNA testing of grapes has unlocked the mysteries behind many varieties, helping to isolate parent/offspring connections and give greater understanding of their origins.

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

If variety is the spice of life, then hopefully today’s varied selection is the touch of seasoning you’re after.

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

Well and truly slipping back into the saddle, so to speak, as I get back into tasting mode after a rather pleasing break over the holiday season.

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

Welcome to part two of my riesling double-header, where we explore some of the sweeter styles, although calling them "sweet" overlooks the intensity of flavour and marvellous sugar-acid...

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