Santa's gift to wine-lovers

Claudine Earley

18/11/2009 11:19:00 a.m.

NEW Zealand wines just keep getting better, according to the judges at last week’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards. This is the country’s most highly rated wine show of the eight in existence. There were 102 gold medals awarded, up 13% on last year., and 112 “pure” medals were handed out, recognising sustainable wines – nearly double last year’s number.
Pinot noir came out tops, with 19 golds, chardonnay second with 18, and sauvignon blanc third with 13. Not only are we making more wines worthy of a gold medal, but the number of bottles on the affordable side of $20 is on the rise.
Everyone is saying that the latest vintage savs are the best in years. I tried the Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($17.90) and the Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11.99) when they were first bottled back in July. They were full of lively fruit flavours back then, so are well worth checking out now.
I met the next two gold medal winners at the launch of Esk’s new label in August. Esk Valley Riesling 2009 ($17.90) is dry and limey. My favourite was the Vidal Reserve Syrah 2006 ($44) paired with venison and cherry foam.
Wine of the week: Gold medal-winning Alan Scott Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 is on special for $19.90. It’s bright raspberry-laced cherries in the Marlborough style.

Cover Story

Best of Wellington 2011

Fringe Festival

Briefs

From police to employers chamber
JOHN Wills has been appointed as interim chief executive of the Employers Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), effective immediately.
Save the Rhino
A concert this weekend features local performers including Jomba, Skapiti, and Siggy. It is part of an international awareness day to support the petition to the South African government to stop rhino poaching. The Waterfront, Marine Parade, Raumati Beach, 11 February.
Jazzy clouds
The first performance of jazz musician Mike Nock’s choral work Land of the Long White Cloud will be sung by the Orpheus Choir at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, 18 February. It’s a free concert and only expected to last about 10minutes.
On board
CONRAD Smith, the new Hurricanes captain has rejoined the team after an extended RWC break, in time for the sellout pre-season game at Managatainoka this Saturday.
Share the vision, free
SIR Paul Callaghan a trustee of Zealandia, formerly the Karori bird sanctuary will give a talk about the vision and importance of the sanctuary for New Zealand. Rutherford House lecture theatre1, 5.40pm, February 13.
Indian art money
MORE than a dozen locals are showing and selling their art, at that well known art space, Betty’s Bar on Blair St, to fundraise for the Karunai Dhan primary school in India. From 5pm, February 10.
Star signs
INTERNATIONAL astrologer Faye Cossar, a former Wellingtonian is visiting the city to conduct workshops and a public talk. Cossar is unusual in that she holds a Masters degree in astrology. February 14.
The Great Outdoors
GREATER Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme continues this week with a daughter, mother, grandmother mountain bike ride at Belmont Regional Park on February 12 and an evening guided walk from East Harbour Regional Park on February 8.
Swimming challenge
SWIMMERS looking for a challenge can take up the long-distance summer swim challenge at Wellington City Council pools.
Participants have until April 30 to swim or aquajog 53 kilometres, the distance equivalent to doing a circuit of Lake Mead in Nevada.
The distance covered is recorded by pool staff and there are spot prizes along the way.
On your skates
SOME of the world’s best skaters are in town for Bowl-a-Rama 2012, a week long celebration of skateboard culture.
The competition is at Waitangi Skate Park on February 11, but there are additional events throughout from February 8 to 12, including an art exhibition by local and international skateboarders at 15 Courtenay Place.
Safer outdoors
A new website has been created to make planning for safe outdoor activities easier.
AdventureSmart,org.nz provides safety information and support for those planning land, snow, water, boating and air activities.
Sommerfest
SOMMERFEST, Wellington’s family-friendly food and beer festival, takes place in the Worser Bay Boating Club on February 26.
The annual festival offers a range of boutique beers matched with great food tastes.
Breaking with tradition this year there will also be margaritas from 5pm.

Reader's Poll

DO you see value in Wellington seeking closer links with China?