2006

This was one from the 3rd Optimor Case. Predominantly Gros Manseng, this had some interesting aromatic complexity, but overall didn’t have enough flavour concentration …

Ginny brought this from her then employer, to our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir revision group tasting, and it was beautiful, so I took the …

Picked this up at POTG with a view to getting to know Oregon Pinots better. Overall, not bad, albeit with a tendency towards slightly …

From the 3rd Optimor case, this is from apparently the oldest Demeter-certified biodynamic estate in Europe. Either way, it was a great way to …

This was a beauty. Mature, but with concentration to age gracefully for another 5 years, maybe? Quite dense garnet colour (medium, rather than light …

A half-bottle of Ata Rangi’s entry-level, young vines (<15 years old) cuvee, bought at the vineyard after a long chat with Eleanor at their …

Also picked up in Clyde, and a second good-looking Gewurz from Central. Had fruit & spice, whilst maintaining acidity, and without overkilling perfume. Great …

The first wine of the wedding party at Furneaux Lodge, and finally a good Kiwi Pinot Gris. Whilst I was impressed by the Riesling …

[signed by the then-owner, when the wine was bought in Easter 2008: Best Wishes enjoy Patrick Medlicott] Randomly picked this up at the Clyde …

My colleague Cristiana had had the 2005 of this, and gave me a bottle for helping her find some in the UK. Cracked the …