The next challenge...

Martinborough Vs Waipara Pinot Noir
(blind tasting)

The next ultimate challenge in Pinot Noir! The very first region to make its mark in New Zealand was Martinborough and they say their wines are better than Waipara. So the "Challenge" has been issued and now we shall put it to the test.

Seven flights of blind tasted wines, one each from Martinborough and Waipara, will be up for the 'taste-off' to determine which region is the best for Pinot Noir. We will select a different set of wines from Waipara than used for our Central Otago Challenge but as with that tasting, all the wines will be revealed only after the scores have been posted by the judges and tasters (you, if you wish to take part). The same set of rules will apply to the previous tasting - it will be lots of fun and the results will be very interesting.

Each table will have a scrutineer appointed to ensure there is no discussion on the wines before the scores are marked.

Danny Schuster and Terry Copeland will be in attendance as the judges.

The Date is Wednesday, 7th October and the venue is once again Eliza's Manor On Bealey, 82 Bealey Avenue. The cost will be $30pp. Phone 374 3344 to make your booking. Numbers are limited and this tasting is certain to be fully booked - 20 tasters were on the waiting list at the previous Waipara Vs Central Otago Tasting so book now to avoid disappointment.

 

Winemaker extraordinare - Grant Taylor

Taste the Wines of

 

Grant Taylor has made some fantastic wines during his winemaking career including Gibbston Valley wines for quite a few years. In recent times his own label of Valli has evolved into a name that represents high quality and rarity. Grant has been warmly praised by the likes of Jancis Robinson MW, Wine Spectator Magazine (USA), Decanter Magazine (UK), Winestate Magzine (Aus) and our own Cuisine Magazine.

Grant makes three pinot noirs from Waitaki, Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn and we will taste all three. And the 2007 was fantastic for Central Otago so this will be an interesting tasting for that reason alone. In addition, Grant is one of the few (perhaps the only) winemaker who makes Vin Santo in NZ. His Riesling is stunning.

The wines of Valli will be food matched by Nik Mavromatis of Mediterranean Foods and that's where the tasting will be held. Med Foods is at 322 Tuam Street (opposite the ChCh Star building) on the eastern side of Barbadoes Street. The cost is $20pp to attend and the date is Wednesday, 21st October , 2009 at 6:00pm.  When you arrive you will be greeted with a top class bubbly - don't be late. Phone 374 3344 to reserve your place.

 

To book for wine tastings phone Brian or Dean during bus hours on 374 3344
or email us at hemingwayfinewines@xtra.co.nz   

The wine you drink is the wine you deserve