Having just returned to Blighty from colonial jaunts, I thought I would pen
some brief thoughts on some NZ wines tasted. We did not "do" as many
wineries as last time as we had more important matters to attend to, ( I can
hear you all moan from here," whats more important than wine")
Stayed with sister in law in Canterbury and son in Queenstown, so mainly
Waipara and Otago wines.

General observations. SB in 2004 was overcropped and it showed at some
wineries.
I was dissappointed at the general standard of the Pinot Noirs, they seemed
almost Beaujolais in style, simple for quaffing.

Some wineries visited,

Canterbury House Vineyard., Waipara...........nothing of note, all very
"commercial"
Fiddlers Green, Waipara, a small winery with serious wine, both the 04 SB
and Chard were excellent. The SB typical NZ, but complex and long.
Waipara Springs.....none of note.

Akarua, Central Otago, excellent lunch, The oaked chard was stunning, almost
like a buttery Mersault. The wife thiught wine of the trip. Pinot like fruit
pop.
Carrick, Bannockburn, all fair, but still where waas the stunning Otago
Pinot I was after.
Felton Road, Bannockburn, Pinot, youthful and potential for ageing, best
Pinot of trip.
Peregrine, Queenstown, fancy roofed building, ( like a peregrines
wing!!!)..........nothing to write home about.

A bottle of Felton Road Pinot 2002, with loin of lamb at my sister in laws.
Depth and bright, complex vegetal ****pot nose, soft andlong, lingering
fruits,,,,yum.

Had a meal at The Postmasters house in Arrowtown, shortlisted in Cuisine for
NZ restaurant of year. Sat out on a sultry night, ( hot spell in South
Island). Some problems in kitchen, but a good menu and best at Pacific rim.
Overall an excellent meal with the kids, very long wine list, 82 Lascases
etc. Bill for 5 with house wines etc GBP 200, very good value compared to
the UK

JT

John Taverner wrote:

> Felton Road, Bannockburn, Pinot, youthful and potential for ageing, best
> Pinot of trip.

> A bottle of Felton Road Pinot 2002, with loin of lamb at my sister in laws.
> Depth and bright, complex vegetal ****pot nose, soft andlong, lingering
> fruits,,,,yum.

John,
Thank you for the interesting musings. Indeed, it seems to be
fairly unanimous that Felton Road makes one of the (if not the) best
Pinots of Central Otago. It appears that your travels were confined to
the South Island, which is too bad since IMO Martinborough Vineyards
makes a very credible Pinot Noir and was the best that I encountered
during my travels in Kiwiland.

Mark Lipton