Off to a big New Zealand "Pure Discovery" tasting…

Tonight, a huge collection of wineries from New Zealand are presenting their latest and greatest at the Design Exchange.

While New Zealand has earned a reputation for producing popular, vibrant Sauvignon Blancs, I'm more excited to try a broad range of Pinots, Chardonnays and even some Syrahs.

The Wine Advocate (Neal Martin was the reviewer) recently produced a massive report from this unique part of the wine world and I can't wait to taste these wines myself. Neal's review put New Zealand in a very bright light.

More to come…

Comments

[B. Pattrick]

Ken:

I didn't see any notes on this. What were the highlights for you?

[Ken Bereskin]

Hi Brian: I must have missed your comment on the 30th and yes, I was bad at following up with notes, but that's because I really didn't take any. The place was pretty crowed but it was a very good showing by many of the wineries.

Here were my favourites:

Vinoptima Gewürztraminer Gisborne 2004: Fantastic fruit, great intensity and acidic lift. Yumm!
Carrick Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006: Darker side of the Pinot spectrum - needs time but very nice.
Forrest Estate Winery Pinot Noir Marlborough 2006: Great value in NZ pinot
Martinborough Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot: The starts of the event for me. Great class.

[B. Pattrick]

Thanks Ken. I know that it's difficult to take notes at such events so your general impressions are important.

I hope that some of these make an appearance at Vintages.