Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2008
Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2008
Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2008
Lowburn Ferry Pinot Rosé 2009
Calvert tri-maker series Pinot Noir 2008
Valli Old Vines Riesling 2009
Mount Dottrel Pinot Noir 2007
Aravin Pinot Noir 2007
Rippon Pinot Noir 2007
Auburn Lowburn Riesling 2009, Twilight Riesling 2009
Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2008
Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2008
Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2008
Alexandra Wine Company Davishon Pinot Noir 2007
Domain Road Pinot Noir 2008
Rippon Gewurztraminer 2008
Valli Old Vines Riesling 2009
Felton Road Dry Riesling, Riesling, Block 1 Riesling 2009
Felton Road Block 5, Calvert Pinot Noir 2008
and many more click here for a full list of recent releases
BOOKINGS-TRAVEL-WHERE TO VISIT
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 Sydney International Wine Competition Blue Gold pinot sampler
QUARTZ REEF METHODE TRADITIONELLE NV
6-pack only NZ$167.70 (NZ$27.95 per bottle)SUMMER SPECIAL: Lowburn Ferry Pinot Rosé 2009
hot deal 12-pack price only NZ$17.50 per bottle 6-pack price only NZ$18 per bottle 4 stars - Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to NZ Wines 2010 LOWBURN FERRY PINOT NOIR 2008
hot deal 12-pack price only NZ$37.50 per bottle 6-pack price only NZ$38.95 per bottle Blue Gold Award, Top 100 - Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 PINOT LOVER'S DOZEN
NZ$467.40 (ave. price NZ$38.95 per bottle) all fantastic pinots with rave reviews and awards: Archangel 2008, Wooing Tree 2008, Wild Earth 2008, Lowburn Ferry 2007, Lowburn Ferry 2008, Mount Dottrel 2007, Peregrine 2008, Pisa Range Black Poplar 2007, Brennan 2007, Aravin 2007, Rockburn 2008, Felton Road Pinot Noir 2008 |
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18 February 2010
Quartz Reef winemaker Rudi Bauer is the first kiwi winemaker to be in the running for what has been dubbed the Oscars of the wine world - the prestigious Der Feinschmecker Wine Awards. Only six winemakers from around the world will be in Germany next month to see who will be International Winemaker of the Year. The competition is the wine world's equivalent of the Oscar ceremony.
Quartz Reef applies the proven winemaking talents of Austrian-born Rudi Bauer, who continues to enjoy & explore the Pinot Noir's many dimensions, and the convergence of the old and the new wine worlds.
Wines produced from the Cromwell winery, Central Otago, include pinot noir, pinot gris and Methode Traditionelle.
3 December 2009:
Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2008 has won a coveted Top 100 Award in addition to a Blue-Gold at one of the world's most exceptional wine shows. 
The Sydney International Wine Competition is unique among international wine shows in that the wines are first judged on wine quality before being judged alongside food. Only wines that score high enough to be awarded a Gold Medal in each judging qualify for the unique Blue-Gold (or double Gold) Medal.
The 100 wines which score the highest number of aggregate points in both judgings are then given The Top 100 Wine Award. Trophy winners from the Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 will be announced in February.
( read more here... )
16 November 2009:
Central Otago's Peregrine Wines have broken a 13-year Australian dominance in Winestate magazine's wine of the year awards.
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2007 was last week named Grand Champion in this widely read magazine, chosen from 10,000 wines in the past 12 months; the first time a New Zealand wine has won the award...
"This is the world's toughest competition for Australian and New Zealand wine with the highest number of wines judged and for the overall high quality of the entries," said Winestate magazine publisher Peter Simic. .... now available only in our Pinot Lover's Selection
13 November 2009
There have recently been some great results from Central Otago wines in wine shows and the press lately, and more sure to come: Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2007 was recently listed TOP WINE in the Cuisine Magazine pinot noir tasting - see our HOT DEALS PAGE.
Central Otago wines are once again good contenders scoring 10 gold medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards in Christchurch.
Gold medals: Archangel Pinot Noir 2008, Davishon Pinot Noir 2007, Valli Bannockburn Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007, Tarras Vineyards Pinot Rose 2009, Amisfield Lowburn Terrace Riesling 2007, Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009, Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007.
Silver medals include: Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2007 and Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2008.
All trophy winners and elite gold medal winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Saturday 21 November 2009.
And Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007 rolls on with further successes including 2 trophies in Hong Kong International Wine Challenge (see our TOP PICKS) ....
We've got a brand new Pinot Lover's Selection featuring some of the recent award winners and our top picks - many are new labels you may not have tried before!.
The new FELTON ROAD wines are released - and we've just released the latest CALVERT SERIES - PINOT NOIR WINE TASTERS 3-PACK Compare 3 pinot noirs made from grapes sourced from the same block in this Bannockburn vineyard made by top winemakers, the perfect Christmas gift for the wine lover who has (almost) everything!!
Watch this space for Xmas ideas....Have a good week!
16 October 2009
Once again a Central Otago pinot noir has won the trophy for Pinot Noir at the prestigious UK-based International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), beating contenders from across the world. The Competition - one of the world's most highly regarded and longest running – awarded the Bouchard Finlayson Trophy for Pinot Noir to Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007.
Also a stunning result, six Central Otago pinot noir wines from the 2007 vintage won gold medals at the competion this week: Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Brennan Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (Best in Class), Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (Best in Class), Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Remarkable Gibbston Pinot Noir 2007, Wooing Tree Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007.
New Zealand-based wine critic, Jo Burzynska, who was part of the panels judging the IWSC's New Zealand classes this year said that she was impressed by the standard of the 2009 vintage. "I tasted some wonderfully fresh and vibrant wines, which promise well for the quality of the vintage," she noted. "The 2007 Pinots also really shone."
Read the full story here....
24 August 2009
Central Otago once again dominated the medals and trophies for pinot noir wines at the NZ Winegrowers Bragato Wine Awards held in Napier last weekend.
The Mike Wolter Trophy for CHAMPION PINOT NOIR went to Aravin Wines, from Alexandra, for the Aravin Pinot Noir 2007, which also received the Richard Smart Trophy for RESERVE CHAMPION WINE, and a gold medal.
Other gold medal winners from Central Otago were:
Black Quail Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir 2008, Le Mineur d'orient Pinot Noir 2008 (Gibbston Valley Wines), Rockburn Pinot Noir 2008, Domain Road Pinot Noir 2007, Mount Dottrel Pinot Noir 2007, and Olssens Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2007.
The Bragato Wine Awards are named in honour of the Italian born viticulturist Romeo Bragato who from 1895 until 1912 was employed as Head of the Viticultural Division of the Dept of Agriculture. He was a perfectionist who fully recognized that “good wines are grown in the vineyard”. The Bragato Wine Awards salute that vision.
12 August 2009
Central Otago winemakers are being urged to position themselves in key overseas export markets ready for an economic recovery, likely to occur sooner than expected.Overseas experts speaking at the Wine Exporters Forum in Christchurch last week told winegrowers that, in spite of the economic recession, they should not stop their marketing pushes into major export markets, as the economic recovery would be sooner than thought. Pinot noir is one of the fastest growing wine varieties being imported in the United States.
New Zealand Winegrowers Association deputy chairman Steve Green said this was great for Central Otago, as almost 80 per cent of its plantings were pinot noir. Australia was another very strong market for New Zealand winegrowers and one where Central Otago pinot noir was doing "exceptionally well", Mr Green said.
AMISFIELD WINERY BISTRO A FINALIST
Amisfield Winery Bistro has been named as a finalist in the high profile 2009 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards for the third time, endorsing again the Central Otago restaurant's reputation for quality and consistency.
The Lake Hayes restaurant won the 2006 and 2007 Best Winery Restaurant categories ahead of strong competition throughout New Zealand, but was ineligible to enter in 2008 as the company's general manager was a judge.
Amisfield is a casual but sophisticated dining place, housed in a contemporary, rustic complex, which has attracted significant architectural awards, and has a stunning courtyard setting overlooking Lake Hayes.
The winners of the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards will be announced in Auckland on August 18.
June 2009
Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007 has won gold at the Hong Kong International Wine Challenge 2009 - Hong Kong’s first ever wine challenge which blends interesting elements of Chinese provincial cuisine as a way to promote wine matching with food. The winning entries, selected by judges during the pre-show judging period, were displayed in the show hall of fame during the 13th Asia Food and Drink Exhibition, (HOFEX). Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007 won gold in the Cantonese wine and food match. It has also become the first New Zealand Pinot Noir on Cathay Pacific European 1st Class.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE (IWC) AWARDS
Congratulations to the following Central Otago wine winners at the 26th International Wine Challenge (IWC) – the world's most prestigious and influential independent wine competition:
GOLD MEDALS: Peregrine Pinot Noir 2007, Domain Road Pinot Noir 2007, Sandihurst Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Hinton Estate Vineyard Barrel Selection 2007
SILVER: Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2007, Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2007, Hinton Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2007,
2008 Mud House Swan Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008, 2008 Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
The International Wine Challenge is acknowledged as the most influential blind tasting in the world.
27 May 2009
Bald Hills Vineyard from Central Otago has won a Gold Medal for its 2007 "Single Vineyard" Pinot Noir at the prestigious 2009 Decanter World Wine Awards. In the latest international competition more than 10,000 wines were judged by a team of experts, and a Bronze Medal was awarded to the earlier vintage, the 2006 “Single Vineyard” Pinot Noir. Previously Bald Hills scooped the pool with its 2005 Pinot Noir when it won Decanter's International Pinot Noir Trophy in 2007.
2 April 2009
Happy Easter! Harvest time has arrived in Central Otago, with wine growers gearing up for another good vintage.
Quartz Reef has been bringing in grapes for their Methode Traditionelle wines over the past couple of weeks, and will start the harvest for pinot noir wine next week. Winemaker Rudi Bauer said wineries in the Cromwell area were looking at harvest next week or the week after Easter. A cold spell a fortnight ago had growers nervous but the settled weather and warm autumn days had now brought everything back on track. Helicopters, wind machines and sprinklers have been fighting frosts in the region over the past couple of nights, and more early morning frosts are expected this week.
Some wineries in the Bannockburn area have also begun harvesting this week.
Lowburn Ferry Wines viticulturalist Roger Gibson said frosty nights had not so far caused a problem and fruit was progressing well and flavours were developing nicely - he was also expecting to harvest shortly after Easter.
2 March 2009
Drumsara wins at Sydney Show
Central Otago boutique vineyard Drumsara has capped an outstanding run with its
2007 Pinot Noir receiving the celebrated Best Pinot Noir Trophy at the 2009 Sydney
International Wine competition.
The vintage received a blue gold medal and was named in the Top 100 wines ,
highlighting the best wines across the board entered in the Sydney show, before
being named Best Pinot Noir at the awards ceremony on Saturday (February 28).
The 2007 Pinot Noir has previously won three gold medals at international wine
shows including the 2008 UK International Wine and Spirit competition.
or see our
Coming up:
A relaxed and fun afternoon for the whole family -- entertainment, games for the kids, food and wine. Come celebrate the grape harvest with the Gibbston community.
The fourth annual Gibbston Harvest Festival once again toasts the spirit of a community that transformed itself from a sleepy sheep farming valley to a high profile winemaking area.
Proceeds will benefit a local charity. 18 wineries and 15 local restaurants.
Date: 21 Mar 2009 Time: 11am to 4pm
5th February 2009:
CENTRAL OTAGO PINOTS UNIQUE
 Wine writer Neal Martin tasting wine during the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration |
The region was now one of the more exciting places producing pinot noir in the world and had become increasingly popular overseas, Mr Comiskey, who writes for the Los Angeles Times, Wine and Spirits and Bon Appetite magazines, said.
Central Otago had such a unique style that some of its producers should be careful not to "try to be like everyone else". The winning combination was right here, Mr Comiskey said. The world's pinot noir elite from around the world, including British master of wine Jancis Robinson, Burgundian expert and master of wine Jasper Morris and influential United States wine writer Robert Parker's taster Neal Martin were amongst the distinguished guests and 180 delegates visiting Central Otago last week.
24th November 2008:
AIRNZ TROPHY FOR ROCKBURN (again)
Cromwell's Rockburn Wines 2007 pinot noir has won two of the 18 trophies awarded at the 2008 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. Rockburn won the JF Hille-brand New Zealand Ltd Champion Pinot Noir Trophy and the Fairfax Media Champion Open Red Wine Trophy.
This is the second year in a row that Rockburn has won the
Fairfax Media Champion Open Red Wine Trophy
20th November 2008:
LOWBURN FERRY CONTINUES GOLD MEDAL RUN
Lowburn Ferry pinot noir wines, from Central Otago, are showing continued consistency in quality. Every vintage made under the main label has now attained gold medal standard. The latest result was announced last week for Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2006 which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The 2007 still very much in its youth was awarded Silver.
13 November 2008:
Air NZ Wine Awards results:
Central Otago wines once again star in the Air NZ Wine Awards - where they won 14 gold medals in the 2008 competition - 12 for Pinot Noir. The awards attracted a record 1751 entries from New Zealand's 10 winegrowing regions with the 26-strong expert judging panel, chaired by Steve Smith, Master of Wine (MW). Trophy winners and elite gold medal winners will be announced at the gala dinner in Wellington on Saturday 22 November.
Central Otago gold medal winners were: Mount Dottrel Pinot Noir 2006, Peregrine Pinot Noir 2007, Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2006, Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2006, Hinton Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, Sallys Pinch Pinot Noir 2007, Judge Rock Pinot Noir 2007, Leaning Rock Pinot Noir 2006, Rockburn Pinot Noir 2007, Bannock Brae Estate Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2006, Tarras Vineyards The Canyon Pinot Noir 2007, Brennan Pinot Noir 2007; Mt Rosa Pinot Gris 2007, Lamont Pinot Gris 2008; Misha's Vineyard "The Gallery" Gewurztraminer 2008; Elephant Hill Rose 2008; Desert Heart Riesling 2007. Email us for availability of any of these wines:
 Vines cocooned in a protective layer of ice during frost fighting |
POLAR BLAST HITS CENTRAL OTAGO Central Otago wine growers spent several nights last week fighting frosts after a chilly southern blast treated growers to the bizarre sight of snow falling in their vineyards with green growing shoots. The unseasonal weather delivered snow down to sea level in the south and settled briefly on the ground throughout the region last Wednesday. Temperatures were reported as low as minus 4 degrees Celcius in parts of the region last Saturday morning. The regions citizens woke to the sound of wind machines, helicopters and water pumps as growers battled the low temperatures. Although there are reports of damage and loss it seems that the region has got of reasonably lightly in view of what could have happened if a clearance in the weather had occurred at an earlier stage with snow still low on the hills.
6 November 2008:
Rockburn Winemaker Wins Wine Society Sommeliers Choice Award in Australia
 Malcolm Rees-Francis |
The award, chosen by 10 of Australia's top sommeliers, makes Malcolm the first New Zealander to win a Young Winemaker title since the competition began eight years ago.
Established in 2001, the Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year Awards recognise the extraordinary talent of Australia's and New Zealand's most promising young winemakers.
Rees-Francis joined Rockburn Wines at their new Cromwell winery for the 2006 vintage, having spent four vintages as assistant winemaker at Felton Road Wines.
Another Central Otago winemaker, Matt Edwards, was a close runner-up in the awards for his Devine Pinot Noir 2006.
1 October 2008:
New Central Otago Pinot Noir label takes trophy at IWSC in London.
 Remarkable Wines owner Richard Guthrey celebrates international success with vineyard rabbit control officer Lexie |
The Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006 has just won the Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) is one of the premier competitions of its kind in the world and aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
Gold medal winners from Otago were: Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006, Drumsara Ventifacts Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007, and Mount Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007 - see our hot deals page to order!
WILD EARTH RELEASES 2007 VINTAGE
The 2006 sold out, but Wild Earth Wines has released their latest vintage and claims it could be their best yet! Scoring 94 points in Taste magazine- Bob Campbell describes it as "hearty midwinter drinking - with our without food."
30th September 2008:
Central Otago wines shine at NZ International Wine Show
Several new release Central Otago wines won gold medals at the NZ International Wine Show held in Auckland last week.
Aurum Pinot Noir 2007, Bannock Brae Estate Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2007, Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 Drumsara Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Lowburn Ferry Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Olssens Jackson Barry Pinot Noir 2007, Rockburn Pinot Noir 2007, Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2007, Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 .
With 2273 entries, the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show is far and away the largest wine competition ever held in this country and is one of the largest wine competitions in the Southern Hemisphere.
See our Hot Deals for a selection of award winners!
3rd September 2008:
Wild Earth Wines takes TOP RED WINE TROPHY AT IWC
Wild Earth Wines, a Central Otago winemaker, has just been awarded the Trophy for Top Red Wine at the International Wine Challenge, the world’s largest competition. It beat 31 other red wine trophy winners from around the globe in the final judging round, announced on Wednesday night (3 Sept) in London.
With almost 10,000 wines in contention, International Wine Challenge is the world’s premier wine competition. The Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 took five trophies in total at the event, taking the trophy count for this wine to an astonishing six awards - well done. This makes it 2 years in a row that a Central Otago PInot noir has taken Champion red at this show
25 August 2008:
CENTRAL OTAGO WINE CHAMPION AT ROMEO BRAGATO WINE AWARDS 2008
A Central Otago Pinot Noir has taken top honours at this year's Romeo Bragato Wine Awards held in Christchurch, winning the prestigious Bragato Trophy for Champion Wine of Show.
Olssens Garden Vineyard produced the winning Olssens Jackson Barry Pinot Noir 2007, which was also awarded the Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy and Champion Pinot Noir. The unique Awards recognise the importance of the grapegrowing process and celebrates viticultural excellence, so the awards go to the viticulturalist.
"The Central Otago region consistently produces top quality Pinot Noir, so it's no surprise that the area has produced this year's Champion Wine of Show," said Chairman of judges, Larry McKenna.
The Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy has particular significance in Central Otago in remembering one of the pioneering winemakers in the region, Mike Wolter. It was carved by another wine pioneer, the late Rolfe Mills, of Rippon Vineyard.
Viticulturalist Karen Olssen had previously won the trophy in 1999 and 2000. Two other Central Otago recipients have been Robin Dicey (Mt Difficulty) in 2004 and Roger Gibson (Lowburn Ferry) in 2005, both of whom, like Karen this time, went on to win the Bragato Champion Wine of Show.
enquire here for availability of these wines
Renowned New Zealand winemaker Claire Mulholland has been appointed by Amisfield Wine Company.
Claire is widely recognised as a leader in her field and her appointment is a coup for Amisfield. Claire was brought up in Central Otago and recently returned to her roots as winemaker at Anthem vineyard in Gibbston Valley. She is best known for her role as Martinborough Vineyard's winemaker, a position she held for seven years until her return south.
Jeff Sinnott, who has been Amisfield's winemaker since the inaugural vintage in 2002, has taken on a new role as the company's consultant winemaker.
25 July 2008:
Congratulations to all those who moved on our Wild Earth Pinot Noir offering last month - it sold out very quickly following all of the international accolades for this wine. We have saved the last few bottles for our Serious Cellar Selection - which also has some other hard-to-get premium labels from Central Otago (including Felton Road) and throughout New Zealand. Be in quick!
And for those wanting some top wines in a lower price bracket, see our HOT DEAL on Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2007, which just won a gold medal at the London International Wine Challenge.
Keep warm....
18 June 2008
Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 , which retails for only NZ$36.95 at otagowine.com, can arguably be sald to be best Pinot Noir in the world having just taken 4 trophies including International Pinot Noir Trophy at the most prestigious wine event of the year, the International Wine Challenge in London.
The IWC web site lists the following trophies for this wine from its 2008 competition:
Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2000 and Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005 have both previously won the IWC trophy for Best International Pinot Noir .
...read the full story and find out more about ordering
6 June 2008: Wild Earth Wines, a young Central Otago winemaker, has just been awarded the Trophy for Top New Zealand Pinot Noir at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London. This competition is the world's largest with over 9,000 entries and is regarded as the toughest wine judging event globally.
In addition to the Trophy award, the Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2006 was awarded two Gold Medals, one at the Decanter competition and the other in the concurrent International Wine Challenge 2008, also judged in the United Kingdom.
6 June 2008: Pruning is happening across the Central Otago region now the grapes are in. The region has produced a record vintage in 2008 - with estimates of between 8000 and 10,000 tonnes of grapes harvested, more than double the previous biggest vintage in 2006. New Zealand Winegrowers official statistics for the 2006 vintage were 4612 tonnes, and 3434 tonnes for 2007 - cool weather at flowering had resulted in poor fruit set and smaller berries last year. This year several new wineries came on stream producing their first commercial crops, and berry and bunch sizes across the region were generally bigger. Some winemakers have likened the vintage to that in 2003 which produced some very good wines. Rudi Bauer, from Quartz Reef, said there were yield variations across the region and expected those with lower yields would produce some very good wines. He estimated about 25% of the grapes produced had gone outside of the region.
6 June 2008: The seventh Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration will be held on the 30th and 31st January 2009 in Queenstown.
Confirmed delegates for the 2009 Celebration include world-renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson MW, who, after attending her first Celebration in 2005, described the event as "surely the most relaxed pinotfest ever."
RIPPON has notched up some fantastic ratings for their Pinot Noir from one of the world's most influential wine writers - Bob Parker's "The Wine Advocate" - reviewed by Neal Martin. The 2006 and 2004 vintages were both rated 95 points (outstanding) while the 2005 vintage scored 91 points
Central Otago Winegrowers Association has been awarded a major grant from Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) to advance the region in developing organic viticulture. This is the first of its kind for viticulture in New Zealand.
Working in conjunction with Organic Winegrowers of New Zealand (OWNZ) the programme will act as a pilot project that can be replicated in other winegrowing regions throughout the country and aims to be an inspiration to the wider New Zealand viticulture industry.
Martin Anderson president of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association said the programme was important to ensure the quality and soil health of the region is maintained. "The future of our region and the products we produce is reliant on the health of our lands and waterways, we are taking a considerable step in the right direction to protect the future generations of land users," he said. It is intended a number of vineyards will sign up to the programme by the end of 2008, 50% by 2010 and the majority by 2015.
Also just this week the UK Sommellier Awards have been released, with Pisa Range Estate Black Poplar Pinot Noir 2006 shortlisted. Judged by 44 of the top sommeliers, restauranteurs & wine consultants in the UK. These awards are a unique view on what the restaurant industry regards as the best wines on the market by those who have to list them, reccomend them and pour them on a daily basis.
9 April 2008: Thirty nine endangered tieke/saddleback are settling into a new home on one of Fiordland's special predator-free islands thanks to the combined efforts of a winery with a special interest in these unique birds.
Peregrine Wines staff and supporters of their company joined DOC staff late last month capturing the birds from South Passage and Breaksea Islands and releasing them onto Te Kakahu o Tamatea/Chalky Island as part of a programme to extend populations of tieke back over their original range.
The transfer of the birds was funded by Peregrine Wines through the Fiordland Conservation Trust as an extension of their interest in the conservation of threatened native species.
SYDNEY PINOT NOIR TROPHY FOR GIBBSTON HIGHGATE PINOT NOIR
March 5th 2008: The Sydney International Wine Competition is one of the few wine competitions in the world to award trophies to wine for their compatibility with food. The Air Sea Global Perpetual Trophy for Best Pinot Noir of the Competition was awarded to Gibbston Highgate Estate ‘Soultaker’ Pinot Noir 2006.
HARVEST BEGINS IN CENTRAL OTAGO
March 5th 2008:The grape harvest began at Bendigo today with the first pinot noir grapes brought in for making methode traditionelle at Quartz Reef winery in Cromwell.
February 15th 2008: Bird nets are going up around Central Otago now as fruit ripens quickly in the vineyards. The summer season has been extremely hot at times, with temperatures some days reaching into the late 30's (Celsius) and many expecting an earlier harvest than usual. Winemaker Grant Taylor, (formerly of Gibbston Valley Wines and now Valli Wines) was last week likening the season to the 1998, when some stunning wines were made in the region.
Vineyards and orchards throughout Central Otago have been assisted with labour this year by 232 Vanuatuans and 8 Solomon Islanders - roughly half of them working on the vineyards for a 4-5 month period. This is an ongoing project which began last year with 45 island visitors working in the region, says project manager Craig Howard, from Seasonal Solutions.
Their colourful music and singing has also been an asset to the weekly Cromwell Farmers Market and other festivals and events over the summer.
COMING EVENTS
PBT Gibbston Harvest Festival - 15th March 2008
Clyde Wine & Food Festival - Easter Sunday 23rd March 2008
...more info
PROCEEDS FROM PINOT NOIR CHARITY AUCTION TO BENEFIT OTAGO CHILDREN
31st January 2008
Central Otago Winegrowers will again combine to produce a Central Otago Cuvée from the 2008 vintage. Futures on the Celebration Cuvee were sold at the highly successful auction held at the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration on the 26 January.
The $25,000 proceeds from the auction will go to the Starship Foundation, a charity is set up to provide additional equipment, support and help to staff, patients and families at the Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland. The Starship Foundation also funds specific paediatric projects around the country which aim to boost the health and wellbeing of children nationally.
6th December 2007
From a list of 15,000 wines worldwide, Amisfield Pinot Noir 2005 is the sole New Zealand red to make it on to Wine Spectator's prestigious list of the Top 100 Wines for 2007. The Amisfield Pinot Noir 2005, has been ranked No 22 by the most influential wine magazine in the United States. This is the second time Amisfield has gained this honour, the 2005 list acknowledging the Amisfield Pinot Noir 2003.
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2006 has also been awarded 92 points and "Editors Choice" in both the USA magazines, Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator and has also been rated 96/100 in Goumet Traveller Wine Magazine.
26th November 2007:
Two wines from Central Otago won trophies at the Air NZ Wine Awards announced on Saturday night. Rockburn Pinot Noir 2006 took out the Fairfax Media Champion Open Red Wine Trophy, and a newcomer, Crawford SP Rise-n-Shine Central Otago Pinot Noir from Kim Crawford, won the Air Sea Global Champion Pinot Noir Trophy. Rise-and-Shine Creek is the home of gold mining in Bendigo, Central Otago. The grapes for this wine came from the Clearvue Vineyard on the northern end of the Bendigo Loop Road.
....read the full story here
See our Hot Deals page to purchase these wines!!
26th November 2007: Also this weekend the Winestate Magazine Wine Awards were announced in Australia, where Olssen's of Bannockburn Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2005 won the Winestate Pinot Noir Wine of the Year 2007.
Over 10,000 wines were tasted throughout the year with only 20% being rated by Winestate. (Unfortunately 2005 was a very small vintage and stocks are all gone).
WIN A 6-PACK OF FINE OTAGO WINES - From now until Christmas, each order of a dozen wines from OTAGOWINE.COM qualifies for one entry in the draw! (free delivery in NZ)
13th November 2007:
Hot off the press today are the results of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2007. Central Otago gold medal winners include:
Gibbston Valley Pinot Blanc 2006, Lake Hayes Pinot Gris 2007, DeVine Wines Pinot Noir 2006, Goldfields Pinot Noir 2006, Lamont Pinot Noir 2005, Hawkdun Rise Pinot Noir 2006. and Rockburn Pinot Noir 2006. Mondillo Pinot Noir 2006 also won a "pure gold" medal in the new class for sustainable wines.
Organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the awards attracted 1,540 entries this year. Trophies will be announced on Saturday, November 24, 2007....read more here
International judges included (from left to right) Tom Carson, James Rodewald, Peter McCombie MW, and Mike de Garis.
Please enquire for availability of any of the above wines...
17th October 2007:
"New kid on the block" - Judge Rock, a small family winery from Alexandra has leapt into the limelight with five stars - Best Buy in Cuisine magazines NZ Pinot Noir tasting this month! At $29.95 Judge Rock Pinot Noir 2006 is a great value pinot - "...this elegant wine by winemaker Carol Bunn is built around a good core of authentic Pinot Noir flavours of earth, cherry and spice."
Also with 5 stars, from Central Otago, were
- Rockburn Pinot Noir 2006 - described by international wine judge Dineen as "almost text-book perfection. Rich, with an intense, savoury, velvet texture. Silky, fleshy and fragrant with fantastic use of oak." The 2006 Rockburn Pinot Noir was the first for winemaker Malcolm Francis. He joined Rockburn at their new McNulty Road winery/cellar door in Cromwell for the 2006 vintage, having spent four vintages as assistant winemaker at Felton Road.
- Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 - "A more masculine style, beautifully put together, with an alluring violet-tinged aroma and black-fruit richness."
- Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005 - "Jam jars full of ripe plums on the nose...firm yet appropriate tannins plus great weight and intensity."
Both of the last 2 wines were made by Grant Taylor.
See our SERIOUS CELLAR NZ PINOT NOIR SELECTION - and our TOP PICKS
3rd October, 2007 - Bald Hills Vineyard from Central Otago has won six trophies at two of the world’s most prestigious wine shows including Champion Red at the International Wine Challenge.
Winning a Regional and an International Pinot Noir Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2007 was a thrill for Central Otago’s Bald Hills Vineyard, but when this success was repeated the following week with Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005 taking out the Champion Red Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Dr Blair Hunt and his wife Estelle realised their vineyard was producing something very special.
The 4th Decanter World Wine Awards Dinner, held in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum early in September, saw winemakers from across the globe celebrating in style amongst the expansive canvases of the museum’s Raphael Room. The New World triumphed with a sizeable collection of awards including a groundbreaking win for New Zealand over Burgundy in the Pinot Noir category with Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005 claiming the International Pinot Noir Over £10 Trophy, having earlier secured the Regional New Zealand Trophy.
The following week at a prestigious gathering at the Grosvenor Hotel in London’s Park Lane, the IWC announced their top 9 Champion awards to the very best wines in the 2007 competition as well as other industry awards. Earlier in this competition, as judges tasted and assessed the 9,358 wines that had been submitted, in what has become the world’s largest blind tasting, Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005 had been named a regional winner with the New Zealand South Island Pinot Noir Trophy. It was also one of 19 international award winners with the International Pinot Noir Trophy. However the ultimate accolade was announced during the awards ceremony where Bald Hills stole the limelight with their Pinot Noir being hailed as the International Wine Challenge 2007 Champion Red.
The final honour was still to come with the announcement of the IWC Planet Earth awards which have been introduced to reflect an important trend in consumer demand, as well as rewarding those who not only excel in winemaking but also put the planet at the heart of their wine making activity. Once again Bald Hills took centre stage and claimed their second champion title with the Planet Earth Sustainability Trophy Enquire for availability
UK magazine "Decanter", just released, lists two five-star ratings for Central Otago pinot noirs - Peregrine 2003 Pinot Noir and Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2003 - while four stars (highly recommended) went to the following pinot noir wines: Lowburn Ferry 2003, Carrick 2002, Cornish Point 2003, Mount Michael 2002, Mount Difficulty 2003.
Lowburn Ferry Vineyard in Central Otago scooped three of the top trophies, including CHAMPION WINE OF SHOW at the Bragato Wine Awards held in Gisborne on Saturday night. The winning wine was Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2003, made from the first vintage harvested on the 3ha vineyard in the Lowburn Valley, 5km north of Cromwell in Central Otago.
The Bragato Wine Awards 2005 were held in conjunction with the annual grape and wine industry Romeo Bragato Conference in Gisborne. These awards are unique in New Zealand in that they recognise the grapegrowers, the vineyard and excellence in viticultural practice. Viticulturalist Roger Gibson also picked up the coveted Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir Table Wine, and the trophy for Champion Red Table Wine.
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26th August 2005: Three top Otago Pinot Noir wines have won gold medals at the Bragato Wine Awards, held in conjunction with the annual grape and wine industry Romeo Bragato Conference in Gisborne. These awards are unique in New Zealand in that they recognise the grapegrowers, the vineyard and excellence in viticultural practice.
Golds were awarded to:
Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2003, Desert Heart Pinot Noir 2003, and Mt Difficulty Target Gully Pinot Noir 2003
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