If named after a local, well-known landmark based on the vineyard’s location, couldn’t this be limiting? Does it mean that if the winemaker is offered an exciting parcel of grapes from another region, they are snookered if they want to make and market it under their brand and therefore they miss an opportunity? It makes no sense to me to choose a well-known local landmark such as a mountain or river, and then put another region’s fruit in the bottle – and of course the fruit’s origin has to be declared on the front label so it can be confusing to the consumer.  Many wineries set out to produce wine exclusively from their own region, but sometimes when other opportunities present themselves, the path of business changes and they need to be able to take advantage of that in a way that is compelling and attractive for the consumer – be they existing lovers of the brand, or just coming to it through this new opportunity. They perhaps need to think ahead and be prepared to diversify.

Calling a wine brand after your own name can also prove tricky but for different reasons. Many wines are named this way and while it is deemed to be the ultimate consumer guarantee of quality and pride – you have stamped your name on it – it can cause headaches. If you build a strong, attractive, viable brand and someone makes you an offer you can’t refuse, you give up control over ‘your name’ (because you’ve sold it) and the inevitable ‘restrictions on trade’ will mean you probably can’t use your name again in a similar way. If the quality of the wine diminishes, it still has your name all over it and the vast majority of wine lovers won’t know that you are no longer involved. Equally challenging is how you market your next project if you are restricted in how you use your own name.

Perhaps naming a wine brand before working through its proposition, point of difference and business plan is a bit like putting the proverbial cart before the horse. A name should generate a sense of expectation – should start the consumer on a consistent path of discovery and anticipation.  It should be synonymous with the brand’s offering and make sense throughout all contact points – the styling, tone, colours and how the brand is promoted – its associations and above all, the story behind it should be genuine and have integrity.

Of course there are times when the very name itself is the inspiration for a brand – sometimes this makes the branding process easier as the name lends itself to a particular market proposition. This can be very exciting, but creators shouldn’t forget that first and foremost they have to have seen and understood the market segment they are aiming for.

Ready to capture harvest hilarity – VinAntics is poised to share the things people get up to – be it lucky socks, dyed hair or even, God forbid, naked night time vigils – and share them with all and sundry.

There’ll be prizes (yet to be announced) and serious kudos up for grabs, not to mention exposure (er, as already mentioned?), camaraderie, fun and plenty of healthy competition as winery crews attempt to outdo each other with the daftest, funniest, most unusual harvest happenings.

To take part, upload photographic evidence (nothing dodgy or illegal) to the winejobsonline Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/winejobsonline (or email to mail@winejobsonline.com) All hard-case vintage photos welcome though there are three “official” sections:

1. Face Off Beard growing competition – each competitor to be photographed on first and last day of vintage. Can upload progress pics along the way if you wish.

2. Mascot or Tradition From Barbie dolls to Superman and other characters – what’s the best Mascot for 2013? And who’s got the quirkiest a lucky charm or tradition? Same shorts worn all vintage? Rabbit’s tail in the pocket? (Hopefully something much more original…..)!

3. Pic of the Crop Best overall photo from the 2013 vintage.

Further details and small print available by visiting http://on.fb.me/ZiyYDg – join in the fun!

In other words ‘apathy’ is when someone just doesn’t care.

Life shouldn’t be something that just happens to us, but it will unless we make a choice to influence it. Don’t settle for just ‘going with the flow’ – influence the flow. Don’t just accept the status quo – challenge it. Surely we want to live, not just exist? Those who are apathetic merely exist. No sense of achievement or pride, of contributing or making a difference. No excitement, no anticipation, no inspiration. For many of us this is unthinkable, though perhaps surprisingly there are those who settle for a life that is less dynamic, less challenging, less rewarding.

How can this be changed? Should it be changed? Do we care (lol)? What would life be like if everyone was apathetic? Nothing. Life would be nothing. Meaningless. A raft of wasted opportunities.

Although as with most things, it can’t be fixed unless it is first acknowledged…. (’Hi, my name is John and I’m apathetic’), apathy can perhaps be warded off with knowledge. Read books that help you to form opinions, books by people who have drive, passion and belief. These qualities are infectious. Connect with subjects that are in the news, that affect your business, your family and friends, your life. Develop a degree of assertiveness, take the time to think something through and develop an opinion. Choose to be dissatisfied with sitting on the fence. Consider the consequences of not caring.

The picture I have painted above seems bleak and extreme – hopefully not too common. I think for many of us, life contains a mish-mash of things that we care more or less about – let’s face it – if we were opinionated and passionate about everything, we’d be exhausted (and probably run out of sympathetic friends to have coffee with). For most of us, the understandable and acceptable norm is ‘selective apathy’, filtering life’s occurrences and seizing on those that hit a nerve. There are some things we really don’t feel strongly about and make no effort to influence, while others have us up and out of our chair ready to make our mark.

Making a mark is surely what life is about? Making a difference? When we are no longer here, don’t we want to be remembered for something? Anything?

I was talking to a friend about this and he said he is often asked for contributions to local fundraising activities. He said not only do these well-meaning people have an expectation that they will receive something – they have little or no idea about how to better their chances of support. Whilst we have touched on brand exposure and PR, one of the things he said would help, is if he heard back from those he has donated to. In other words, people are quick to ask for something but slow to make contact afterwards to thank the sponsor and to tell them how the event/project/initiative they were fundraising for, actually went. How did this person’s contribution actually help? Some of us see this as common courtesy, but perhaps it is not so common. If we don’t acknowledge and thank people, let alone update them on the success of the initiative, you certainly won’t get further support. Whereas if you build a rapport by communicating well, before, during (if relevant) and after the activity, you are well placed to receive further support in the future.

This is one of the key ways of securing funding – relationships. If you are on the school committee or some other local organisation, chances are your fundraising is not a one off – but probably an annual event. Being able to approach those who have given before is a lot easier than ‘cold calling’, so you have to look after your relationships. If you put out a newsletter, make sure your supporters receive this – or other news during the year. If they have supported you in the past, don’t just contact them a few weeks before your fundraiser and expect them to cough up. Put yourself in their shoes – it isn’t hard and means a lot.

We talked about adding value but what does this really mean? If you were running an event to raise money and you needed contributions, say wine for a raffle or a charity dinner, you can put the winery’s name and logo on the list of prizes or the menu. You can also mention them during the evening, giving them public acknowledgement of their support. In the run up to an event, you can mention the sponsors on your posters, the radio or whatever other advertising you are doing. Also, if you do have a regular newsletter, website or social media presence, you can give regular exposure to sponsors and their products. Remember it costs you nothing to do this, but engenders a lot of goodwill.

Here’s a check list to help:

• There are plenty of examples of sponsorship proposals online – take the time to research these and then create your own ensuring you cover the main points. Remember that your proposal might be their first impression of you and your organisation and first impressions count – big time!
• Research potential companies so you have an idea of what synergies there may be and what benefits might appeal to them,
• Find out who to contact and address your proposal to them. Not just ‘The Manager’!
• Meet with the company if possible
• If you are lucky enough to secure their support, always always do what you have promised in return.
• Remember to report back to your sponsors – thank them and tell them how their contribution made a difference.

Nutshell version? Get your ducks in a row, act with credibility and integrity and go for it!

It always astounds me that individuals and organisations have an expectation that they will receive a handout. Today more than ever, every business dollar has to be carefully considered, has to be treated as an investment. While your cause may be incredibly worthy, what is the funder going to receive for giving you some of their hard-earned cash? And yes, the same applies to product and services, like wine for example or asking a graphic designer to design something for free – it is still a cost!

There are numerous good causes out there – numerous charities, schools, sports groups, research ideas all with compelling reasons to hand over your loose change. But what if you are after something more significant such as a larger amount of money or even an ongoing sponsor or partnership?

Because businesses as well as Joe Public are approached on a daily basis for money, the best way to increase your chances of success is to understand the companies you want to approach and what makes them tick. In other words, you need to offer them something. Pulling on the heart strings is not enough to guarantee a donation and certainly not an ongoing commitment. What can you offer a potential sponsor that adds value to their business?

This is when you need to write a proper proposal to demonstrate that you have researched the company, its brand and what it stands for and to show them you have taken the time to consider why they should sponsor you and what value it can return for them. Show them why your proposed activity is a good fit for their brand.

Your proposal contents should at least cover the following:

Cover sheet With your organisation’s name and logo and that of the company you are approaching, the date and name and contact details of person writing the proposal.

Introduction explaining why you are approaching them.

Your organisation About the company, what you do and what it is you are needing funds/product for

Objective What is it your organisation wants to achieve with this activity? What are the outcomes?

Mission How will you achieve it and how will it be measured?

Proposal What are you asking for and what are you offering in return? Why should they consider your proposal and how will they benefit? Be clear with the amount of money or product you are asking for and how it will be used. When do you need it? In a lump sum or over a period of time? How will the money be spent?

Conclusion Summarise the proposal and provide details of when and how you will follow up. Remember to thank the reader for their consideration of the proposal and invite them to contact you with any queries.

Depending on the nature of your organisation and what you are looking for, this may only be a couple of pages – really all you are doing is committing to paper the things you should already know and the things that you are likely to be asked by anyone you approach. Think of it as preparation. Show your potential funder just how good your cause it and what YOU can do for THEM!

If this seems a little over the top or too time-consuming, then you maybe haven’t understood just how important it is!

Good luck!

And Twitter? Don’t. You know ‘don’t drink and drive’? Well, don’t drink and tweet. Mucho regret…I don’t care what they did to you, or how much retribution you feel you have a right to wreak upon them – don’t tweet it (unless it’s poor service – then go right ahead). Know the expression ‘Nothing personal’? Make it your new Twitter mantra.

I love Facebook – I love that I can tell anyone who’s interested what I’m up to/thinking/making/trying to achieve. BUT…sometimes I forget that it is a global audience I’m talking to…not just my mates. What my mates will find funny and relevant is likely to make me look a complete nana to some of my business contacts – context is everything. Twitter is similar in this regard – your buddies might be fascinated by what you ate for dinner and which wine you enjoyed with it, but does everyone want to know? Is it about as interesting as tweeting ‘I’m having a cup of tea’? Sometimes I scare myself by thinking about who might’ve read a tweet or Facebook post I have written….some pretty pre-eminent wine people follow me on twitter or are friends on Facebook (scary). How daft do I sound to them?

But should I really worry about it? Using platforms such as Twitter and Facebook carries with it the responsibility of integrity and credibility. As long as I (or anyone else) don’t get personal, thoughtless, rude, or just downright boring, then aren’t we just letting people have a glimpse of who we are?

I spoke to social media whizz Jamie Roy about this some time ago when I wanted to set up a Facebook page for my business. I already had a ‘personal’ page that I put pics of the kids on and shared mainly with family and friends and I didn’t think was very professional to use this in the wine industry. While Jamie understood my concerns, he explained that these days, people in business want to know who they are dealing with. It’s not just about a CV, it’s about who you are, not just what you do.

The more I do, the more I realise this is true. I also realise that maintaining two Facebook presences is somewhat unrealistic (for me). My time is spent on one Facebook page – my WineBelindaNZ one. I am authentic…true to myself and post stuff that echoes this. And it’s not like all my Facebook friends have to read every post I write – they can gloss over it. But someone who is perhaps considering hiring me might check out my page to see what I’m really like – Facebook, like Twitter is a rolling, real time CV.

It’s about personality, not just what’s on paper. Twitter and Facebook portray me as me – no pretending. So I am laid out, bare – warts and’ all. Am I naked in a room full of people wearing clothes? Hopefully I’m naked in a room full of other naked people – we’re all out there being true to ourselves, opening ourselves up, letting people see the real us.

Conclusion? Be honest, humble, credible and don’t write anything you might regret.

So, am I ready for Christmas? I’ll tell you what I’m ready for…(and not necessarily in this order!)

• Enjoying some great bubbles, white, rose and red wines
• Enjoying some great food
• Leaving the computer switched off
• Watching my kids’ faces when they open their presents (I got them something they really want after telling them ‘no chance – it’s too expensive’ – thanks Grandpa and Grandma for chipping in)
• Cooking whitebait fritters for Christmas breakfast
• Spending some time sitting down instead of rushing around
• Reading
• Music
• Scrabble
• Starting a new running programme (groan…)
• Doing the things I never seem to have the time to do
• Time with good friends
• Sharing a few more great wines
• People to stop asking me if I’m ready for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas?!

150 people came together at a wonderful central Auckland location (a private club that wishes to avoid publicity) last night to celebrate some of the world’s finest wines.  New Zealand blazed the trail though this was much anticipated given the kiwi base from which the show is run. Australia, Italy and Spain also featured, with famous wine styles that only they can do – Hunter Semillon and massively intense McLaren Vale Cabernet, Primitivo from Italy’s Puglia region and richly decadent Pedro Ximenez – a sherry like no other.

New Zealand’s dominance started with the Gow Langsford Gallery http://www.gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz/  Trophy for Champion Sparkling Wine going to Quartz Reef for their delicious Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle 2007. John Gow, presenting the award, highlighted the 500 or so exhibition openings his two galleries have hosted over the last 25 years and said that at about four or five cases of wine per event – that was a significant amount of wine! Elaine Walker, Sales and Customer Services Manager for Quartz Reef received the award on behalf of the team, with effusive winemaker Rudi Bauer away overseas. http://www.quartzreef.co.nz/

Champion Other White was sponsored by Wine Competition Ltd http://on.fb.me/PnGYMX Director Margaret Cresswell said that we (Wine Competition Ltd is Marg’s and my company) chose to sponsor this and the ‘Other Reds’ trophy as we enjoyed the diverse styles and varietals that these two classes attract.  There was only one contender as only one gold medal was awarded during the judging. The Tyrrell’s Stevens Vineyard Hunter Semillon, http://www.tyrrells.com.au/ distributed by Kahurangi, is a stunning wine and will reward some serious cellaring as well as being divine right now. Sam Day from Kahurangi accepted the award http://www.kahurangiwine.com/

Mark Lim, General Manager of Osawa Wines http://www.osawawines.co.nz/ was there to receive the Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine. The Osawa Noble Gewurztraminer 2011 is a spectacular wine. Mark was clearly delighted as he outlined the company as still in its youth with only five vintages under its belt. Winemake Rod McDonald certainly making an impact with this wine.

From one Gewurztraminer to another, the only gold medal of the class was awarded to Distant Land Gewurztraminer 2011. A simply amazing wine building a strong portfolio of awards including Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer last night. Export Manager Peter Fredatovich received the awarded, dedicating it to his father, Peter who recently passed away. http://www.distantland.co.nz/index.html

The Pinot Gris trophy was sponsored by Liquorland www.liquorland.co.nz . Merchandise Manager, Andrew Bartley stated Pinot Gris’ importance in wine retail with sales of some 140,000 cases a year. The trophy was awarded to Mount Riley for the 2012 Pinot Gris and winemaker Matt Murphy was there to receive the award. He shared the credit for this wine with his viticulturist and the rest of the winemaking team http://www.mountriley.co.nz/

Morven McCauley spoke on behalf of Riesling trophy sponsor, Antipodes Water Company http://www.antipodes.co.nz/ drawing similarities between Riesling and fine mineral water, saying both needed encouragement in a hesitant market place. Morven presented the trophy to Giesen for their 2012 Marlborough Riesling http://www.giesen.co.nz/

The Macvine Trophy for Champion Chardonnay was presented by Managing Director, Michael Jemison. A stunning wine – the Nautilus Marlborough Chardonnay 2011 http://www.nautilusestate.com/ was named the winner and winemaker Clive Jones was clearly over the moon. In his acceptance speech, Clive acknowledged the ABC movement (Anything But Chardonnay) but declared it was now time for BBC – Bring Back Chardonnay. A very good idea if they are all going to be as good as this one!

Caffe L’affare http://www.laffare.co.nz/index.aspx?ID=2 , sponsors of the trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc, were there in force – a flock of fine young men who could have stepped straight from the pages of a glossy fashion magazine. Under the watchful gaze of L’affare  founder Tony Kerridge, Auckland Account Manager Dave Young made a brief (if hilarious) speech before presenting the award to Sue White, for the Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Champion Fortified Wine had just two contenders – Buller Fine Old Tokay and the Lustau Pedro Ximenez San Emilio – the latter winning the award http://www.lustau.es/en/lustau_97.html#78

Champion Other Red Wine, sponsored by Wine Competition Ltd, was won by the Feudi di San Marzano SUD Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2010. A multi-layered wine of great intrigue. Phil Clark from importer A Touch Of Italy was there to receive the award and reinforced the success of producer Farnese http://www.touchofitaly.co.nz/

Singapore Airlines, http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/about-us/ the first sponsor to come on board (no pun intended) took ownership of the Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir. Recipient, Jamie Small on behalf of the winning wine, Pasquale from the Waitaki’s Hakataramea Valley said ‘watch this space’ as NZ’s newest Pinot Noir region was stacking up awards fast http://www.pasquale.co.nz/ Prior to presenting the award, Marg read out a speech written by Singapore  Airlines Marketing Manager, Murray Wild which eluded to the similarities between enjoying fine Pinot Noir and the in-flight service from Singapore Airlines!

Few others stood a chance next to the jaw-droppingly good winner of the Silver Fern Farms http://www.silverfernfarms.co.nz/ Trophy for Champion Cabernet Sauvignon. Presented by Paula Stebbing of Phenomenon Promotions, representing Silver Fern Farms last night, it went to Shingleback The Davey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Australia’s McLaren Vale http://www.shingleback.com.au/ As Paula said in her speech, great wine deserves great food and these two were certainly well matched!

Finally, the Scenic Hotels http://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/ Trophy for Champion Shiraz or Syrah. Always a tussle between New Zealand and Australia, this year the kiwis came out on top with the excellent Vidal Reserve Series Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010. Receiving the award, General Manager of Winemaking and Viticulture for Villa Maria Group, Alastair Maling praised the qualities of the Gimblett Gravels growing region and acknowledged that while there wasn’t a huge amount of Syrah available, that perhaps this was a good thing www.vidal.co.nz

After the class trophies came the Champion Wine Producer and Champion Wine of the Show. These highly coveted trophies recognise outstanding performance and outstanding quality.

Champion Wine Producer could not be decided between two companies, both of whom had had an exceptional show. Therefore the Spiegelau Trophy for Champion Wine Producer was awarded jointly to Mount Riley and Villa Maria Estate. Mount Riley had entered 10 wines and received a medal for each, including three golds, plus the Pinot Gris trophy.

Villa Maria Estate www.villamaria.co.nz received seven gold medals in addition to six silver and 15 bronze – another top performance from New Zealand’s leading, privately-owned wine producer.

The Spiegelau Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show was awarded to the Vidal Reserve Series Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010.

For a complete list of the winners, see http://www.thespiegelauiwc.co.nz/?c=results&y=2012&r=t

Well, writing this might have been a tiny bit therapeutic, but…nah – still all feels a bit ‘quiet’.  Mind you – we have the exciting Marlborough Wine Show taking place on the 16and 17 October…..so one wine show down, and one to go!

I know – I’ll have a glass of award-winning wine – cheers!

Distant Land Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2011

Turkish Delight – very pronounced, perfumed nose, leaps out at you! Crushed rose petals. Dryer style, some weight and concentration and considerable length….goes on and on. Amazing example of this tricky grape variety.

Mount Riley Marlborough Riesling 2012

Fresh, cold metal, zesty, pear drops aromas. Dry, clean, firm acidity, mouthwatering, mineral aspects – very good. Floral on the finish leaving you wanting another taste.

Eden Springs 2008 High Eden Riesling

Honey, citrus blossom, lime, kero, beeswax aromas. Dry, polished with a rich, smoothness, mouthcoating, almost oak treated! Lingers – excellent.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Dry Riesling 2011

Floral, perfumed, candy, dry with slight impression of sweetness, though lovely dry, mineral tones on the finish. Vibrant, lifted wine – excellent aperitif.

Dusky Sounds Riesling 2008

Slightly kero, lime and oxidative characters on the nose – shows development.  Off dry at front of palate though finishes almost dry. Quite honeyed.

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Dry Riesling 2012

Floral, candy nose. Dry wine, lovely backbone of acidity, slightly sweet impression. Well balanced, succulent and very drinkable. Top value.

Kahurangi Estate Mount Arthur Reserve Nelson 2011 Riesling

Violets, perfumed soap, intense nose. Violets on palate too, ripe fruit giving impression of sweetness. Lovely wine, clean, different and delicate, moreish.

Greystone Riesling 2011

Sherbet lemon aromas, citrus blossom, fresh. Sweeter style, some lovely weight and mouthcoating texture. Flavours linger – succulent and juicy – beautifully balanced – a piece of art.

Giesen Marlborough 2012 Riesling

Light nose, more mineral than fruit driven. Sweet palate, nice acidity cleanses the palate, touch honeyed and with some floral notes. A really delicious wine.

Seifried Nelson Riesling 2012

Dry style of wine with ripe fruit giving a gentle hint of sweetness. Aromas are fresh and almost herbaceous mixed with citrus peel. Flavours linger deliciously…

Kerpen Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese 2005

Golden colour, bright and shiny. Nose of melted, almost slightly burnt butter, honey, crushed cashews, Christmas lilies. Sweet, beautiful, balanced, rich yet not cloying, hint of marmalade, complex, intense, dynamic, outstanding. More please.

Tyrrell’s Wines Single Vineyard Stevens Hunter Semillon 2007

Bright yellow with green tinges, lemon oil, fresh grass, dry, weighty texture, firm acidity, almost a chalky feel in the mouth. Flavour lingers. Different and very special.

Lanvin Brut NV Champagne

Top value, this perpetual award-winning Champagne offers a delicate, dry wine with a balance of fresh, almost citrus flavours and a gentle toasty richness. Lovely and refreshing yet elegant.

Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle 2007

Some straw yellow colour, nose of shortbread, lifted. Dry wine, clean, firm acidity, some toast characters but still very fresh and uplifting. Quite a restrained, elegant style.

Nautilus Methode Traditionnelle Brut NV

Fresh, creamy nose, rich, slightly nutty. Dry, some toasted bread characters, serious style, very good. Finish is clean and polished. Delicate fruit, and elegant yet quite powerful wine.

Lindauer Rose Brut Cuvee

Pale pink with a delicate nose, hint of berry fruit and biscuits. Dry, clean with some fruit focus making it easy to enjoy. Pleasant acidity gives balance and freshness.

Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvee

Light salmon pink. Strawberry trifle aromas, firm acidity and a touch of sweetness – ideal aperitif as not too deep and intense but very enjoyable.

Morton Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle 2002

Developed nose, reminiscent of cut grass. Slightly smoky, with a burnt butter aroma. Palate is rich and quite weighty. Shows the development but also the quality.

Daniel Le Brun Blanc de Blancs  Methode Traditionnelle 2002

Still fresh as a daisy, lifted and elegant with a subtle underlying power. Yeasty elements add to the complexity and acidity still bright and breezy.

No golds

900 Grapes Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011

Warm nose suggesting plenty of alcohol, light orchard fruit, apple, pear characters. Dry with some weight and suggestion of sweetness from ripe fruit. Good texture and highly drinkable.

Waipara Hills Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2011

Dry, very weighty, acidity is firm and so is finish – concentrated pear flavours, hints of warm, toasted brown spices. Serious style.

Ribbonwood Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011

Cinnamon spiked apples on the nose, A dry wine, some intensity of flavour and good weight in the mid-palate. A serious style with lovely pear fruit on the finish.

Forrest Marlborough Pinot Gris 2012

Gorgeous, inviting nose of poached pears and baked apples, even a touch of star anise. Dry, clean and polished with clear varietal definition and great balance.

The People’s Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2011

Light, subtle nose – clean and fresh. Some gentle pear fruit characters with a sprinkling of spice and a citrusy acidity. Great quaffer.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011

Mineral, concentrated mouth-coating, superb balance and weight – deliciously drinkable, supple and with good length. Seriously well-made for lovers of serious Pinot Gris.

Mount Riley Marlborough/Nelson Pinot Gris 2012

Lifted, fresh nose, very inviting. Touch of sweet candy, then the acidity comes though and provides lovely balance. Some mineral tones towards the finish which is clean and polished.

No golds

Spy Valley Merlot Malbec 2010

Deeply coloured, dry wine with firm tannins – serious style, warm alcohol, good food wine. Underlying ripe blackcurrant fruit with a hint of bramble jam.

Feudi di San Marzano SUD Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2010

Deepest purple red, opaque at the core. Nose of black cherry, mocha and black licorice plus blackcurrant cordial. Weighty, rich and full-bodied, Plenty of tannin, very youthful, mouthcoating and powerful. Heart warming, delicious!

Castano Monastrell 2011

Purple, dark pink colour. Gorgeous fragrant nose of violet flowers and spice. Intense wine, big tannins, chewy and ripe, serious style, layered, dry finish, boysenberry fruit.

Squawking Magpie SQM Sticky Beak 2011

Golden in the glass, nose of fresh stonefruits and ginger. Sweet palate but good acidity keeping it from being cloying – nice lingering flavours and very fresh.

Osawa Hawke’s Bay Noble Gewurztraminer 2011

Richly sweet and unctuous with mouthcoating texture. Concentrated, intense full and satisfying – very long palate, lingers indefinitely. A real statement wine – highly memorable.

Buller Fine Old Tokay

Raisins, almonds, clove-spiked oranges. Warm, concentrated, rich, delicious and very special! Sweet, luscious, warm alcohol. Memorable, long, big impression.

Lustau PX St Emilio Sherry

Massive, thick, almost oily wine – heavily textured, richer than just about anything you could taste. Raisins, mocha, Christmas cake – great length of flavour – outstanding.

Tiki Single Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Fresh, pippy nose, piercing citrus aromas. Sherbet acidity, mouth-wateringly fresh and clean. Searing fruit characters,

Peter Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Pale, elderflower, sweat, green capsicum. Dry, hint of fruity sweetness – sherbet pips! Mouthwatering, fresh and polished.

Spy Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Pale, hint of green. Slightly fleshier, riper nose, hints of fresh apricot. Palate is dry, nicely balanced with good intensity of flavour.

ARA Single Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Pippy, mineral, green spectrum nose, lime oil, green olives. Palate is medium weight, good mineral backbone, fresh acidity and clean, polished.

Crosse Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Summer aromas, cut grass, wet stones, mineral. Mouthcoating texture, good intensity on the mid-palate, dry, firm backbone of acidity.

Gladstone Vineyard Reserve Sophie’s Choice 2011 Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc

Creamy, toasty oak predominant on the nose, underlying fresh, fruitiness. Palate shows texture, dry wine with quite resinous oak, warm touch of alcohol and lingering flavours.

Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Earthy, fresh peas, citrus, capsicum nose. Sweet, ripe fruit with balanced acidity and clean finish. Classic style, slight sherbet pips on finish.

Starborough Family Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Fresh, rich, concentrated nose, very appealing with hint of spun sugar. Palate is dry with concentrated citrus characters – an intense, serious wine – very good.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3, 43 Degrees Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Grassy, pineapple, fresh, pronounced nose. Sweet impression of ripe fruit at front of palate, then succulent acidity. Huge varietal expression.

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Touch of smoky tobacco, elegant cherry nose. Big expression of Pinot with firm tannin structure and good acidity – plenty of dark-skinned berry fruit and warmth from alcohol.

Pasquale Hakataramea Valley Pinot Noir 2010

Slightly poached, sun-ripened fruit on the nose, hints of savoury earthiness. Nice silky texture, firm acidity and balanced fruit – medium-bodied with a weighty mid-palate carrying spicy hints and plum fruit.

Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Bright fruit and almost slightly floral characters, feminine, soft and elegant, supple, sweet from ripe fruit. A real pleasure.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Showing a tad of development, slightly stewed nose and a few savoury characters. Good acid structure and firm tannins with black cherry fruit coming through on the finish.

Toho Limited Release Rore Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Light nose, almost strawberries and cream – summer fruits. Sweetish, palate builds – firmly structured, spicy oak and sweet finish

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Pink marshmallow and chocolate nose, an elegant wine with gentle raspberry fruit and subtle, warm, toasty oak. Sweet and enveloping, enchanting.

Vidal Reserve Series Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010

Deeply coloured – nose of ripe, sweet tobacco with gentle hint of cedar. Serious style of wine – luscious silky texture yet powerful. Mouthcoating tannins, lingering flavours all adding up to a very special wine.

Matua Valley Reserve Release Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2010

Damson jam on the nose, spicy plum. Big tannins, sweet and ripe, very drinklable though big. Concentrated, intense, mouth-coating tannins – very good.

Kingston Estate Barossa Valley Shiraz 2010

Menthol, lifted nose, spearmint. Good wine – textural tannins, quite drying but some ripe plum fruit underneath. Serious style, just a baby!

MOJO Shiraz 2011

Concentrated, big nose – deeply coloured and intense mouthful! Black fruits, chewy tannins and spice from the new oak. Big, full-bodied wine – well made, delicious.

Mount Riley 17 Valley Chardonnay 2011

Plenty of new oak on the nose, together with a creamy richness and ripe, juicy lemon fruit. Smooth and clean, polished wine. Dry with definite oak on the palate, then a more mineral, tangy finish.

Shingle Peak Reserve Release Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Smoky new oak, dry wine, quite reserved style, almost savoury. Good balance of acidity, good food wine as not overpowering style.

Auntsfield Single Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2010

Lemon meringue pie on the nose, rich and attractive. Spicy, warm oak. Good colour. Firm acidity, nice silky texture and hint of minerality.

Matua Valley Single Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Honeydew melon, lemon, oak on the nose, warmth from the alcohol. Quite succulent, good acidity and fresh fruit on the palate. Nice lingering finish.

Spy Valley Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Quite a funky nose, piercing. Herbal. Dry, quite linear style, fairly light on the palate – good food wine and subtle, not sweet. Elegant.

Nautilus Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Sweet oak, ripe, juicy. Silky texture, mouthcoating. A seamless wine, beautifully balanced, lovely expression of Chardonnay…lingers.

Lake Chalice Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Fruit-driven nose, clean. Subtle oak. Palate is medium-bodied with some sweet fruit and toasty oak, though balanced. Juicy and moreish.

Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009

Concentrated blackcurrants on the nose, some underlying oak. Warm toasted, intense flavours, mouthcoating tannins. A big wine, powerful, full-bodied and very impressive.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Gorgeous nose, ripe fruit, berries and toast. Silky wrap over a powerful expression of the grape with chewy tannins and good weight.

Sandalford Estate Margaret River Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Menthol, perfumed fruit, lifted and attractive nose – dry with firm tannins and a good level of acidity.  A baby at this stage!

Shingleback McLaren Vale The Davey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Savoury, some berries – toasty spice, full-bodied, big wine would benefit from food! Young. Chewy tannins, very good, try some now and put some away for several years.