The cool South dominates Pinot Noir tasting

Media Release Issue 119, November 2006
26 October 2006

The cool South dominates the annual Cuisine Pinot Noir tasting

Cuisine’s latest Pinot Noir tasting, detailed in the upcoming Christmas issue, has seen South Island wines completely dominate the top positions. Of the top ten, all came from the cool southern regions - five from Central Otago, four from Marlborough, and one from Waipara, North Canterbury.

The top Pinot Noir of the tasting was Villa Maria’s Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Noir 2005, a wine that Villa Maria’s chief winemaker Alastair Maling MW describes as, “fruit-driven, full bodied and well-balanced wine, concentrated, rich and generous, with opulence and complexity.”

“Villa Maria is hugely enthusiastic about New Zealand’s potential for Pinot Noir, particularly Pinot Noir from the Marlborough region. We are thrilled that the 2005 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has been recognised as an excellent example of this elusive variety,” says Alastair.

The 2005 vintage has proved to be outstanding for New Zealand Pinot Noir, with 12 wines awarded five stars from the Cuisine team – a rare occurrence and an indication of a great year. Many of these wines also represent great buying, with several of the recommended bottles priced at under $40 – and in some cases, under $30.

The Cuisine tasting also sampled and rated sparkling wines, with Paradox’s Methode Traditionelle NV the top local Methode Traditionelle, and the Cattier Premier Cru Brut NV the best Champagne/Imported Sparkling.

In celebration of New Zealand Pinot Noir, Cuisine is proud to support Pinot Noir 2007 – a four-day celebration of the much-acclaimed wine. Held in Wellington over 29 January – 1 February, the event includes a special Cuisine magazine Pinot Lover’s Day of Homage, where experts and budding wine connoisseurs alike will each have the chance to taste 100 of New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir.

New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir and Methode Traditionelle can be sampled at selected fine-wine stores throughout the country. Tasting dates and contact details are listed below.

On sale from Monday 30 October, the Christmas issue of Cuisine retails at $8.90 inc. GST and is available from all supermarkets and good bookstores throughout New Zealand.

FINE WINE STORE TASTINGS

AUCKLAND
La Barrique
31 Normanby Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland
Ph: 09-638 5000, www.labarrique.co.nz
Pinot Noir: Wed 1 Nov 6.30pm
Glengarry Victoria Park
Cnr Wellesley & Sales Sts, Auckland City
Ph: 0800-733 505, www.glengarry.co.nz
Sat 11 Nov 10am-4pm
Waiheke Wine Centre
153 Oceanview Rd, Waiheke Island
Ph: 09-372 6139
www.waihekewinecentre.co.nz
Pinot Noir: Thurs 9 Nov 7pm; Champagne: Thurs 30 Nov 7pm
First Glass Wines & Spirits
5 Huron St, Takapuna
Ph: 09-486 6415, www.first-glass.co.nz
5-star Champagne: Mon 13 Nov 7 pm, $80 (must book)
Pinot Noir: Wed 15 Nov 7pm $15
HAMILTON WELLINGTON
Hamilton Wine Company
Upstairs at The Bank, Victoria St
Ph: 07-839 1190
Wed 8 Nov 7pm
Glengarry Thorndon Quay
Ph: 04-472 7051, www.glengarry.co.nz
Sat 11 Nov 4pm-6pm
NAPIER NELSON
Swig
19 Carlyle St, Napier
Ph: 06-835 7999, www.swig.co.nz
Wed 15 Nov 5pm-7pm
Casa del Vino
214 Hardy St, Nelson
Ph: 03-548 0088, www.casadelvino.co.nz
Wed 8 Nov 6.30pm
CHRISTCHURCH ARROWTOWN
Vino Fino
188 Durham St, Christchurch
Ph: 03-365 5134, www.vinofino.co.nz
Tues 7 Nov 6pm
Allan Hamilton Wine Cellars
Ramshaw Lane, Arrowtown
Ph: 03-442 1026
Thurs 16 Nov 5pm-7pm
WANAKA
Wanaka Fine Wines
19 Helwick St, Wanaka
Ph: 03-443 7539
Thurs 16 Nov 6.30pm

ENDS

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