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April 2011
WAIRARAPA WINES HARVEST FESTIVAL 2011
Report written by Raymond Chan
In its fifth year, the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival just gets better. The organisers led by the indefatigable Liz Pollock just keep on polishing the running of this event while retaining all the features that makes it such an enjoyable wine celebration. It is no secret now that it is a return to ‘grass roots’ and is everything that wine festivals were in the beginning, before they morphed into more sophisticated affairs. The venue is ‘The Cliffs’ a beautiful riverside area at the end of Dakins Road, Gladstone, the site set among native Totaras and Kahikateas up to 1000 years old. The numbers are limited to 2000 attendees so that there is very little congestion or queuing. The emphasis on family attendance means that the atmosphere is genuinely friendly and personal. As noted, the logistics are seamless and efficient, making everything relaxing and fun. It is a community supported festival, with businesses and organisation from around the greater Wairarapa area involved in sponsorship and the management.
Forming the heart of the festival are the exhibitors and entertainment. The Wairarapa can turn it on. This year, we had great jazz from Fran Barton and the Kevin Clark Group, foot-stomping Celtic tunes from the Shenanigans Irish Band and classic rock ‘n roll from Xray Catz. The food ranged from offerings from Sushi Planet in Masterton, Cornucopia in Featherston, Café Mirabelle in Carterton, the Gladstone Vineyard Café in Gladstone, Super Coffee from the Hutt Valley and plenty more! However it is the range of greater Wairarapa wines that is what nearly all of the attendees come for. The wines are truly diverse in style and variety, and can offer superb quality that stacks up with that of any other region, as well as real value, making them worthwhile seeking out. I tasted wines from all 16 exhibitors and each had something that took my interest.
There were three wineries that I had never tasted wine from before, this year’s festival the first time they had participated. It was instructive tasting the 2010 and 2009 Pinot Noirs from Paper Road, located in Opaki, Masterton. They could be representative of what the greater picture will be. The 2010s are obviously fresher than the 2009s, but I see them as being lighter and a little crisper than the accessible 2009s. And also with the Pinot Noir wines from Blairpatrick Estate, a tiny boutique with vines overlooking the festival site. The 2009 is fruity and aromatic, while the 2008 has more depth and structure, this seeming to be the case throughout the Wairarapa. Lynfer Estate also has their 11 ha vineyard on Dakins Road in Glasdstone, and the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 Pinot Noir showed classic varietal character and elegance. They will be worth watching too.
The festival was an ideal opportunity of seeing more from people I had become acquainted with only in recent times. Joseph Ryan, on Dakins Road seems to be making a name with white wines. This year they introduced their new, value-oriented ‘Tiffin Hill’ range, but I had the crisp 2008 Pinot Gris and 2008 Viognier as my preferred picks. Cottier Estate, also on Dakins Road had their two ranges of Pinot Noir on offer, the ‘Terra Nova’ 2009 as an introductory label and the ‘estate’ Pinot Noir 2008, more substantial, but both exhibiting the fresh, racy house style. Trialling a different approach with their Pinot Gris was Paulownia of Masterton. The drier, riper 2009 had depth, but I was taken by the 2010 Pinot Gris – seduced by sugar? – surely not me! I must admit their 2009 Noble Sauvignon was deliciously harmonious.
A number of white wines from well-respected and well-established producers showed the depth of quality of the Wairarapa region. Mebus Estate was showing their archetype 2008 Pinot Gris, and it is good to see them adding the ‘Waipipi’ range to their portfolio. Borthwick Vineyard has been bolstering their range with a good 2010 Pinot Gris, but I’m happy to say Paddy’s 2010 Chardonnay is as good as any he has made to date, and pretty smart, even after only two weeks in bottle!
The Wairarapa region is best-known for Pinot Noir, and not just from Martinborough. The following wineries had for tasting some excellent examples which would stand tall in any company. Fairmont Estate’s ‘Block One’ 2008, Johner Estate’s ‘Reserve’ 2007, Loopline Vineyard’s ‘Reserve’ 2008, and Wycroft Estate’s 2009 as a collection are absolutely first-class. They all have ripeness, richness, intensity, structure, and degrees of complexity that lift them into the top league. I’d love to put these up alongside Pinot Noirs from anywhere else in the country!
As always, each winegrowing region has a number of wineries that have reputations that make them fine ambassadors. Gladstone Vineyard’s highlights for me were the new ‘Bubbles’ NV, the beautifully pure 2010 Riesling and Pinot Noir 2009. Under Matahiwi’s banner, the Alexia Pinot Gris 2010 is a crowd pleaser and the ‘Holly’ Chardonnay 2008 is a super-star. The ‘Holly’ Pinot Noir 2009 just keeps on coming together. Urlar has the right ‘look’ and the Sauvignon Blanc 2010, 2009 Pinot Gris and 2009 Pinot Noir just carry on from their very smart earlier efforts, and that is saying plenty for the all-important factor of vintage-to-vintage consistency. And I’m amazed at what Schubert can do across the board. The beguiling ‘Marions’ Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2008, superbly spicy Syrah 2008 and decadent ‘Dolce’ 2009 all wonderful and showing their commitment to the finest quality. It was fortuitous that our table was situated very near to the Schubert stand!
The group I was part of at this year’s Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival all thoroughly enjoyed the time, and has vowed to return next year. We’ll be getting our tickets early to ensure our admittance.
November 2010
GLADSTONE VINEYARD TAKES TOP PINOT TROPHY IN HONG KONG
Gladstone Vineyard has taken out the trophy for Best Pinot Noir at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, securing its track record for producing world class Pinot Noir.
Owner and Chief Winemaker Christine Kernohan says the Gladstone Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir secured two trophies at the competition – for Best Pinot Noir and Best New World Pinot Noir.
“These trophies recognise the calibre of wines we are producing, and their growing status on the world stage.”
The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition is the only truly Asian competition designed specifically for the tastes and consumption preferences of the Asian market.
“The Asian market is becoming increasingly significant for us, so these awards are a coup in terms of our marketing efforts in the region.”
Christine Kernohan says the Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 has recently been selected by Air New Zealand for its business class service, and has a strong lineage of award-winning wines behind it.
“We only produced our first Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir in 2003 and every year since have received top level accolades at international competitions.
“These trophies show our wines are going from strength to strength.”
BACKGROUND
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2009
Trophy for Best Pinot Noir Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2010
Trophy for Best New World Pinot Noir Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2010
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2008
New Zealand International Wine Show 2010
Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2010
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2010
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009
Four Stars, Cuisine Magazine November 2009
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2007
Wairarapa Pinot Noir Trophy and Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2009
Gold Medal New Zealand International Wine Competition 2008
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2009
Silver Medal Liquorland Top 100 2008
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2008
12,000 MILES PINOT NOIR 2007
Gold Medal Liquorland Top 100 Competition 2008
Silver Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2008
Silver Medal Air NZ Wine Awards 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2006
Gold Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2007
Gold Medal Royal Easter Show 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005
Gold Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2006
Silver Award Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2006
Silver Medal Wine Style Asia Awards Singapore 2006
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004
Blue-Gold Award Sydney International Wine Competition 2006
For more information visit:
www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz
www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com
Media contact:
Christine Kernohan 021 509 100
christine@gladstonevineyard.co.nz
Gladstone Vineyard
RD2, Carterton 5792, New Zealand
+64 6 379 8563
September 2010
FAIRMONT ESTATE CELEBRATES DOUBLE GOLD WIN IN PINOT NOIR CLASS
Boutique and specialist Pinot Noir producer Fairmont Estate has celebrated two Gold medals at this year's New Zealand International Wine Show. The Fairmont Estate 2009 Pinot Noir and the Fairmont Estate 2009 Block One Pinot Noir were both awarded Gold medal status.
Fairmont Estate's winemaker, Jon McNab said "these awards are an excellent result for the Wairarapa, a follow up to the impressive 08 vintage".
The 2010 New Zealand International Wine Show attracted 2107 entries, making it the second largest wine competition ever held in this country.
For more information contact Jon McNab 06 3798-498
E-mail:PINOT@xtra.co.nz
SCHUBERT WINES FROM NEW ZEALAND WINS BEST PINOT NOIR AWARD OUT OF 19 COUNTRIES AT DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS IN LONDON.
Schubert 2008 Pinot Noir Block B receives the INTERNATIONAL TROPHY for best Pinot Noir at Decanter World Wine Awards 2010 in London. “This is a great honour” says proprietor & winemaker Kai Schubert, “receiving this huge accolade. There were Pinot Noirs from 19 other countries including France, Italy, Australia, the USA, Chile and Germany which makes this International Trophy not only a fantastic success for us at Schubert Wines, but also for the Wairarapa region and the whole of New Zealand”.
Furthermore Schubert’s 2008 Marion’s Vineyard Pinot Noir also made it in the overall Top 10 list of all Pinot Noirs entered from around the world.
Chairman of judges Steven Spurrier said “By judging on comparative quality first regionally, then internationally, in panels of three and flights of no more than ten wines, with specialist judges present throughout, the results of the Decanter World Wine Awards will have complete validity for both the consumer and the producer.”
The Judges said:
Schubert Block B Pinot Noir 2008
Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
(Red - Still)
Forceful, vibrant and succulent fruits, with sweet strawberry and loganberry flavour. Fine concentration and a fresh splash of acidity. Very long and sleek.
Schubert 2008 Pinot Noir Block B was initially awarded with the Decanter Trophy for best New Zealand Pinot Noir. All Pinot Noir Trophies from around the world were then judged again, with Schubert receiving the best result and consequently the INTERNATIONAL PINOT NOIR TROPHY.
For more information please contact Kai Schubert at kai@schubert.co.nz or visit www.schubert.co.nz
SCHUBERT WINES FROM NEW ZEALAND WAS AWARDED THE INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2010 SUSTAINABLE
TROPHY IN LONDON.
As part of the INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE’S PlanetEarth Awards the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Block B was awarded the IWC SUSTAINABLE TROPHY at last night’s IWC 2010 Awards dinner in London. “This is a fantastic accomplishment”, says proprietor & winemaker Kai Schubert, “that not only the quality of our wine but also our efforts for organic practice in our vineyards and the winery were awarded. After last week’s huge success at the Decanter World Wine Awards with the International Pinot Noir Trophy and now the IWC Trophy for Sustainability we feel overjoyed”. The IWC Planet Earth awards have been introduced to reflect an important trend in consumer demand, as well as rewarding those who not only excel but also put the planet at the heart of their wine making activity.
The International Wine Challenge brings together many of the most important people in the wine world. Four chairmen, each of them leaders in their field, have been at the helm for this year's IWC. Between them, they taste every single medal-winning wine, ensuring that only the best succeed. They are: Tim Atkin MW, Charles Metcalfe, Sam Harrop MW, Derek Smedley MW. For 2010 the International Guest Co-Chairman was Victor de la Serna.
Before being awarded with the IWC Sustainable Trophy Schubert Wines 2008 Pinot Noir Block B had also received the IWC Trophy for best New Zealand Pinot Noir as well as the IWC Trophy for best Wairarapa Pinot Noir. Schubert Wines 2008 Pinot Noir Marion’s
Vineyard had also been very successful by achieving a Gold Medal at IWC 2010. Please also see www.internationalwinechallenge.com
About Schubert Wines:
SCHUBERT WINES was established in 1998 by Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling, both Geisenheim University Viticulture & Oenology graduates. Having worked with winemakers like Erni Loosen of Dr. Loosen Estate, Bernkastel in Germany as well as in various vineyards
across the world, their dream had always been to establish their own Pinot Noir-vineyard. They worked and searched in regions like Oregon, California, Australia and parts of Europe, but New Zealand’s Wairarapa region in the southern part of the North Island was the most interesting area to them. After examining some 100 properties in New Zealand they always returned to the Wairarapa region where they found two ideal sites, which were purchased in 1998. With one small vineyard already planted they developed the bigger site with vines in 1999 and 2000. Schubert’s vineyards are closely planted in the traditional, European style and the unique climate produces low yields and internationally award winning wines with intense and complex character. Schubert Wines are predominantly exported into currently 25 countries.
For more information please contact Kai Schubert at kai@schubert.co.nz or visit www.schubert.co.nz
July 2010
DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR SCHUBERT WINES
The International Wine Challenge in London just announced the 2010 Trophies 
and after awarding both SCHUBERT WINES’ Pinot Noirs with GOLD the Schubert Pinot Noir Block B 2008 was also awarded a TROPHY.
This is a fantastic success for SCHUBERT WINES having recently been awarded the Regional Trophy at Decanter World Wide Wine Awards for BEST NEW ZEALAND PINOT NOIR for the '08 Schubert Pinot Noir Block B as well. Also receiving Decanter GOLD for the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard.
This double success for SCHUBERT WINES at two of the world’s most prestigious, influential and independent wine competitions has once again confirmed the importance of the Wairarapa Region on the global wine scene.
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is not only the world’s largest wine competition – it’s motto is “the Ultimate wine competition bringing reassurance through integrity”. The results of the 27th Challenge were announced at the recent London International Wine and Spirits Fair with the Trophies being publicized on 30th June 2010 at the Lords Nursery Pavilion.
With a record number of 46 wine producing countries entering the 2010 Challenge there were only 326 Gold’s; two of which went to SCHUBERT WINES’ Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard and Block B. 111 wines were awarded a Trophy this year with New Zealand only receiving 8 Trophies in total.
The Trophy stage is the final round for these award-winning wines. Having already achieved a Gold medal through the Challenge’s rigorous judging process, the wines are tasted once more by an elite panel of judges against others in the same category, to determine if they are worthy of a Trophy in addition to their Gold medal.
Of the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard the Judges said
“Creamy, rich, undergrowth quality. Dense, sweet fruit. Has real intensity with fleshy mid-palate. Lovely!”
And of the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Block B
“Mid ruby, dense raspberry and smoke nose with a herb de province overlay. Juicy, jammy palate with good lift. Nice length. Luscious!”
Kai Schubert was “delighted with the international recognition his wines have gained over the past month, reconfirming the regions ability to produce world class wines of intense and complex character”.
May 2010
HIGH FIVE FOR GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR
Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir has scooped gold for a fifth consecutive year, collecting its latest accolade from one of the most prestigious and influential independent wine competitions, the International Wine Challenge in London.
Owner and Chief Winemaker Christine Kernohan said she was thrilled to receive recognition for the 2008 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir at such a well regarded competition.
“But we’re even more elated that this award cements Gladstone Vineyard’s record for consistently producing Pinot Noir at the top level.
“It’s proof – if we needed it – that Wairarapa Pinot Noir ranks among the world’s best.”
Christine Kernohan said this year’s harvest promised much for an unabated record.
“After a cool summer, autumn was warm and benign and let the fruit ripen nicely. The weather was magnificent during harvest, enabling us to pick when we wanted to optimise fruit flavours and ripeness. The longer, cooler ripening period encourages good flavour development in the grapes at lower potential alcohol levels, so we are optimistic for very good quality wines from 2010.”
The judges described Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir 2008 as “Lovely, smoky bacon and vegetal character. Soft, quivering mid palate. Lots of fruit delivery and lovely tannins. Excellent expression of Pinot.”
The International Wine Challenge is a renowned international wine contest, which takes place annually in London. With more than 10,000 entries, it is the biggest blind tasting in the world.
BACKGROUND
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2008
Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2010
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2010
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009
Four Stars, Cuisine Magazine November 2009
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2007
Wairarapa Pinot Noir Trophy and Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2009
Gold Medal New Zealand International Wine Competition 2008
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2009
Silver Medal Liquorland Top 100 2008
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2008
12,000 MILES PINOT NOIR 2007
Gold Medal Liquorland Top 100 Competition 2008
Silver Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2008
Silver Medal Air NZ Wine Awards 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2006
Gold Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2007
Gold Medal Royal Easter Show 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005
Gold Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2006
Silver Award Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2006
Silver Medal Wine Style Asia Awards Singapore 2006
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004
Blue-Gold Award Sydney International Wine Competition 2006
4&1/2 Stars Winestate Magazine 2005
For more information visit:
www.internationalwinechallenge.com
www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz
Media contact:
Christine Kernohan 021 509 100
Gladstone Vineyard
RD2, Carterton 5792, New Zealand
T +64 6 379 8563 F +64 6 379 8564
E office@gladstonevineyard.co.nz
W www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz