7 July 2010
What the Winemakers are drinking…
Winter wine picks from Hawke’s Bay winemakers
Hawke’s Bay winemakers were invited to reveal the wines they are currently drinking to add some warmth to winter. With the rider that they couldn’t select any of their own wares, eight notable wine palates supplied their favourites.
Rod McDonald, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. chair, says his two choices are both great “drink-now propositions”:
2008 Bilancia Syrah – “It reminds me of the excitement of spring and summer. A lovely scented Syrah with florals and nice juicy palate.”
2008 Alluviale Merlot – “Soft juicy Merlot, soft tannins and lovely plump rounded wine”.
Hugh Crichton – Winemaker, Vidal Wines:
2007 Church Road Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot – “This wine, from the fantastic '07 vintage, is drinking beautifully now but the backbone of structure running though it demands that it is paired with a fine cut of Hawke’s Bay red meat.
“With wines like this it is easy to see why Hawke’s Bay has a growing international reputation for producing high quality blended reds of this kind. Further, when you consider the prices of our international competitors, such as Bordeaux, you quickly realise how good we have it here. This and many other '07 Hawke’s Bay reds are prime candidates for the cellar.”
Tony Bish of Sacred Hill:
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay – “A great price for a classic Hawke’s Bay style; consistent, with nice complexity.”
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot – “A concentrated red blend with supple tannins, especially with a few years on it; great value.”
John Hancock of Trinity Hill:
Esk Valley Green Label Reserve Merlot/Cabernet/Malbec – “A great representation of Hawke’s Bay red wine; always reliable, ages beautifully and a good drink. You always look for more in this wine, and it delivers. It works great with heartier, winter style foods.”
Warren Gibson, Trinity Hill’s executive winemaker:
Rifleman’s Chardonnay or Villa Maria Keltern Vineyard - “I still like a nice full bodied Chardonnay in Winter.
Syrahs from 2007/2008 – “An excellent vintage.”
Rod Easthope, winemaker at Craggy Range Vineyards:
Vidal’s Reserve Chardonnay – “Power, balance, finesse, and that contradiction of purity and complexity. Sensational.”
Dada White – “This wine breaks with convention and baffles my mates when served blind. It’s trail blazing stuff.”
Grant Edmonds, Sileni Estates
Brookfields Hillside Syrah – “Rich, hearty and warming winter red.”
Dermot McCollum, Owner, Stonecroft:
Church Road Cuve Series Limited Release 2007 Sauvignon Blanc – “This wine is a brilliant example of how a winery (and possibly region) can promote and develop its own style. I've picked it for the mouth-feel and richness which you don't typically expect from a NZ Sauvignon Blanc.”
Two Gates Syrah 2007 - “This wine is a good example of an organic syrah from Hawke’s Bay and with its structure and intensity, is a great winter wine.”
