PINOT hits the capital once more on St Patrick’s Day when 20 producers from Central Otago colonise the Boat Shed to show us their wares.  
The tasting Central Otago Wine: A World of Difference is designed to showcase the terroir of the various sub-regions. Crucial research for the pinotphile.
Among them will be Mitre Rocks. I shared a bottle of their highly acclaimed Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 ($35) with my Dad at the end of last year. Dad needed fortification as he set out to play Santa to my sister-in-law’s work place. This wine saved the day.
It’s rich and powerful. Bloody ruby red coloured with a hint of violet round the rim.  Cherry oak aromas continue on to the palate with added forest floor depth. Santa was happy.
Another winery to look out for at the tasting is Wild Earth. Don’t be put off by their name, evocative of hippy hobbits, this is lip-smackingly delicious wine. Cuisine judged ‘07 Pinot Noir ($38) top pinot last year. It has a perfect balance between ripe deep red cherries and earthiness on the nose. In the mouth it has silky smooth flavours of chocolate cherry.
You’d never guess it was 14.5% alcohol! You’ll be lucky to find a bottle of this, however, as the ’07 was snapped up last year, but the ’08 will be on show. Visit Ticketek for your $25 ticket to the tasting.
Wine of the week:  Too clammy to contemplate red wine? Try the refreshing Mills Reef Hawkes Bay Riesling 2009 ($17). This wine meets the nose with aromas of lime marmalade, starting sweet, ending dry. Citrus flavours open up with time to reveal apricot. Refined and balanced. Very nice on these balmy late summer evenings.