Pinot Noir is NZ's most popular red wine variety and Central Otago has an international reputation for being the top producing region. But is it the best? Waipara, on the other hand, suffers from a lack of marketing and profile. So what's their problem? What would happen of we took all the "fashion" out of the equation and judged these two regions on the quality of their wines alone? A little challenge, perhaps, where the wines are served in pairs with each flight having a representitive from each region of the same vintage and value - served blind. It should be interesting because we are selecting a cross section that we believe will fairly represent the quality of both regions.

Your part, should you wish to participate, would be to mark a judging form for each flight just prior to the wines being disclosed. We will collate the scores and come up with an overall winner who will take home the pinot of their choice from the tasting. And, of course, we will know the winner between Waipara and Central.

Pinot Noir Tasting - Waipara v Central Otago

Twelve current vintage releases served in six flights of two - retail value of $600

What a tasting! Two glasses each with six flights of two wines - each of the flights the same vintage and the same price within a few dollars. This is the ultimate challenge because you won't know the wines until after you have tasted them and decided which you like best. The first flight will be the two least expensive bottles and the sixth and last will have $90 values.

Thursday 20th August at Eliza's Manor House, 83 Bealey Avenue at 6.00pm. Off-street parking available. Cost $30pp. Cheese and crackers included. Booking is a commitment to pay. Call us now on 374 3344 to book your place.

Cape Mentelle Review

The quality of the wines at our July Cape Mentelle Tasting was remarkably high which was reflected in the orders. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 was outstanding and I believe one of the best Australian Cabernets we have seen and the story of each wine was brilliantly told by winemaker Simon Burnell. Cabernet, however, is not a wine you elect to drink every day and the popularity poll had the Cape Mentelle Sauvignon/Semillon 2007 as the top wine on the night, followed by the Chardonnay 2007. Both these white wines displayed an elegance and finesse beyond all expectations - and Nik Mavromatis who did the food matching once again did a fantastic job to come up with some great food matches. It was an excellent night that certainly left Cape Mentelle in very good light.

By the way, there is a good deal going down on Cape Mentelle. We have a special pricing and have stock. Give us a call.

Wine Notes:

Tannat

Tannat is the grape variety that provides the highest degree of antioxidents. It is reputed to be the most health beneficial wine variety you can drink. We have been asked for it continuously - and we will have it in stock again this coming week.

Avanti Shiraz-Malbec 2008

This wines comes in next week. It's the best value for money red I have seen in a long time. You won't believe how good it is for the price, unless you come in and try it next week. It will be open for you.