Tag: merlot

Posted on

Villa Maria wines – Oct 2014

villamariaDate: Wednesday 8 October 2014

Time: 7:45 – 9:45 pm

Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.

Cost: Members $12 Guests $16

Presenter: Jonathan (Jono) Hamlet, Manager and Viticulturist, Joseph Soler Vineyard

Details: Villa Maria Estate Viticulturist Jono Hamlet presented a range of VM’s organic range of wines including:

  • 2011 Private Bin Organic Gewürztraminer
  • 2013 Private Bin Organic Merlot
  • 2013 Cellar Selection Organic Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2013 Cellar Selection Organic Merlot
  • 2012 Single Vineyard Ihumatao Organic Verdelho
  • 2013 Single Vineyard Templar Sauvignon Blanc

We were also be treated to some more interesting varieties from some of the 15 varieties of ‘barrel samples’ produced across the Hawkes Bay. We won’t be tasting them all on the night but these will provide us with an interesting wine experience.

A bit about Jono

Jono plays an integral part in managing Villa Maria’s 65 hectare Joseph Soler Vineyard in the Hawkes Bay, 21 hectares of which are fully certified with BioGro. His role involves the challenge of managing the vineyards organically, while meeting the economic and quality parameters set out by the company and industry.

The Joseph Soler Vineyard currently produces 15 grape varieties and supplies to all three company wineries, Villa Maria Estate (Auckland), Vidal (Hawkes Bay), and Esk Valley (Hawkes Bay).

Over the next five to seven years, Jonathan will take the lead role in bringing the entire Joseph Soler Vineyard (44 hectares remaining) into organic production.

Seeing the opportunities in viticulture, he spent several years growing grapes on Waiheke Island before migrating south to the Hawkes Bay, to work for CJ Pask and Ngatarawa wineries. He was later employed by Villa Maria to manage the organic vineyard, Joseph Soler.

Jono is the vice president of the NZ Organic Winegrowers Association.

Tasting review

Jono’s roadshow show was a polished display of art, chemistry, showmanship combined with facts and superb organic wines.

What was of great interest was the breadth of Jono’s knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and the impacts and trends he is apart of at Villa Maria. This includes moving the Joseph Soler Vineyard from a traditional vineyard to organic, about 5% of total Villa Maria wine production, and the biodynamic trends Villa Maria have set in the wine industry.

Passionate about his role at Villa Maria, Jono expressed the impact that terroir has on vine growth and took his time in explaining in some detail how this has impacted on the various Villa Maria vineyards in all wine growing regions of New Zealand.

The wines selected for the night showcased a small proportion of Villa Maria’s stable of wines. The quaffer, Gewürztraminer, was fairly typical of the varietal. The two Sauvignon Blancs again typical except the Templar very refined and is a likable type for those not as passionate about Sauv’s as some. Villa Maria is one of only a few vineyards to produce Verdelho in New Zealand. Another vineyard is Esk Valley, one of Villa Maria’s other brands.

Jono then produced two barrel samples, a Chenin Blanc and a Merlot, which were both unfined and cloudy. For many members it was their first taste of barrel samples and a great way to understand the development of wine from barrel to bottle to glass to lips. A unique and a great touch to the night. The night wasn’t finished there.

From Jono’s box of tricks he produced a beautiful Chenin Blanc sticky. Superb considering where it came from. After a wet summer in 2012 left the Chenin Blanc underdeveloped Jono left the grapes on the vine until May. By this time there was not a lot left to the grapes but wow what depth of flavour. Shame it was in such a small amount.

Thanks Jono and Villa Maria.

 

Want to find more about Villa Maria? Have a look at the playlist.

Related posts

Related posts

Posted on

Glancing back – Alpha Domus Winery

Paul Ham presented on what was a great night with lots of new members and guests. Paul was grateful for the opportunity to present and was happy at the level of orders.

The wine was great with the Barnstormer judged as being superb. Paul was an enthusiastic and informative who adapted a style that suited the evening.

The wines included the Aviatrix (a blend of whites), Viognier, Chardonnay Merlot, Cab Sav and Syrah, rounded off with their Noble Selection. A selection of very nice wines.

Posted on

Looking Forward: Feb 2014

March 2014 – Alpha Domus

Alpha Domus winery was established by two generations of the Ham family. The vision began in 1990 with the purchase of bare land and planting began in 1991. Their commitment is to produce premium quality wines that are true to varietal character and are a reflection of their unique terrior.

The vineyard lies in the renowned Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District of Hawkes Bay. From these soils, Alpha Domus winery produces world-class wines from a wide range of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah.

Alpha Domus wines are single vineyard, estate grown, and vinted at the on site winery.

The name Alpha Domus was inspired by the first initial of each of the family’s first names from the father through to the youngest brother; Anthonius, Leonarda, Paulus, Henrikus and Anthonius (ALPHA); Domus is Latin for house. Some really good wines, we look forward to what is offered.

Posted on

Wrights Crush 2014

Wrights Vineyard and Winery – Crush 2014

The 2014 vintage started at Wrights on 1st February – quite possibly the first grapes in NZ to be harvested. With the increasing demand for low alcohol wines – we are producing a low alcohol pinot gris and pinot rose this vintage -we will keep you posted on the expected release date for these.

As always, we have a family focus, it is all hands on deck for the first pick of the season. At age 2, Luke is proving to be particularly dexterous with secateurs – nothing is safe! Occasionally, he even contributes to the harvest.

The crop is delivered straight into the sparkling new winery. We are excited to have Richard and Rick Alexander on the wine making team this vintage. The Wright boys are always on hand to complete the quality control team on the juice. Our new winery is now set up – well nearly- we have a few jobs yet to do, but here are some photo’s of the set up. It is exciting to move out of the shipping containers and move into something more permanent and waterproof!

Recently, we made the front page of the local rag. A great story about harvest to date – here is the link.

This vintage and with our new vineyard, we have done something thinking outside the square with our increased tonnage – we are producing an organic red and white grape juice through Chantal Organic Wholesalers – these drinks should be on the shelf this month!

With our new premise and revamped cellar door, we have been run off our feet at our cellar door. Fantastic to see our regulars and coverts alike. Our cellar door is now open from Fri – Sun 11am-4pm. Live music every Saturday from 1.30pm. Pop in and enjoy some lovely food, wine and a fantastic relaxing environment – you might even get to taste some fresh juice from the winery!

Welcome to the newsletters newbies. We like to give our supporters a great deal, not available anywhere else. As always we would like to offer you a great deal. This month (until 14 February) you have the opportunity to purchase online 3 bottles of our wine for $60 (excludes reserves). This is the same great deal we offer to our wine club members (includes reserves) every month. If you like it, then join up to become a wine club member. The three bottle deal includes Wrights Chardonnay 2013, Wrights Gewurztraminer 2012, The Natural Wine Co Merlot 2012. Here is the link for this deal.

http://www.wrightswines.co.nz/wines/order-direct/

 

Cheers,

Geoff, Nicola, Noah, Elijah & Luke Wright

Posted on

Glancing Back: Brookfields Winery, Aug 2013

A thoroughly enjoyable presentation from Peter Robertson. Peter had some interesting anecdotes including explaining that China would be our next big market. The wines were well received with excellent orders for the winery.

Feedback from Peter Robertson indicated that he was pleased with the meeting, and the orders received.

The committee was a little disappointed that only 22 members attended the evening, although there was a high number of visitors.

The wines tasted were; the Ohiti Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012 as a quaffer; followed by the Robertson Pinot Gris 2012, Bergman Chardonnay 2012, Back Block Syrah 2012, Burnfoot Merlot 2012, Ohiti Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2012, Sun Dried Malbec 2012, and rounded off with the Indulgence sticky, 2012.

A great selection with the Sun Dried Malbec standing out.

Posted on

Glancing Back: May 2013

What a night, some lovely wines, great variety, and the committee members did themselves proud with their research and presentations.

After a quaffer, a Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2012, that was on the Gold Medal List and exceptional value at $10.00, the evening progressed with:

  • Desert Heart Magic Moments Rosé 2012
  • Coopers Creek SV Gisborne Albariño ‘Bell-Ringer’ 2012
  • Brancott Estate Special Reserve Pinot Gris 2012
  • The Kings Bastard Chardonnay 2011

  • Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2011

  • Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Merlot 2010

  • Te Awanga Estate Syrah 2011

Lovely wines and interesting deliveries. We may try the format again sometime.

Posted on

Next event April: Easter Show Tasting

2015-06-17-5580e256ba674Wednesday 10 April 2013, 7.45 for 8pm start.
Johnsonville Community Centre Hall,
3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville
Members: $16, Guests: $20
Item 1 – Special Annual General Meeting
Item 2 – Gold Medal Wines from the Easter Show presented by your committee.

Your committee has looked at the Gold medal wines from the Easter and is organizing the following list for the tasting. There may be late changes due to availability, please bear with us.
The quaffer will be a Trinity Hill Chardonnay Viognier from the Club’s Cellar followed by:

  • Desert Heart Magic Moments Rosé 2012 (Anne)
  • Coopers Creek SV Gisborne Albariño ‘Bell-Ringer’ 2012 (Cecilia)
  • Brancott Estate Special Reserve Pinot Gris 2012 (Murray)
  • The Kings Bastard Chardonnay 2011 (Wayne)
  • Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2011 (Robin)
  • Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Merlot 2010 (Jenny)
  • Te Awanga Estate Syrah 2011 (Steve)

We expect that most of the wines will be available through James Cupit, The Cellar Room, Johnsonville.

Clearly we will not be able to offer special deals on the night but remember to present your membership card and receive 0-20% on items not already reduced.

Posted on

Glancing Back – Yealands Tasting – June 2012

violet-sparkling-sauvignon-blancGreg Forward from Yealands was to be the presenter for this meeting but he had not recovered from jet-lag. Despite this Mitch Howard with able support from Melissa Carr carried the day with a range of 7 wines presented.

The wines included the:

  • Violet Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Gris 2011
  • Yealands Estate Gruner Veltliner 2011
  • Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  • Pinot Noir 2010
  • Merlot 2011
  • Yealands Estate Tempranillo 2010.

An interesting collection which resulted in a mixture of responses.

The Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc was a pleasant surprise but there was a feeling that some of the wines lacked a little grunt and would benefit from a little more bottle time. Also Mitch’s association has been with Crossroads (recently taken over by Yealands) and he may not have been as familiar with some of the varieties. We wondered if they might have incorporated one or two wines from the Crossroads brand just for comparison.

Posted on

Yealands Tasting – Next Event, June 2012

YealandsEstate

Date: Wednesday13 June, 2012

Time: 7.45 for 8pm

Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall. How to get here.

Members: $10, Guests: $10

Presenter: Greg Forward, Regional Manager

For the evening Greg will be accompanied by Mitch Howard – Business Development Manager based in HB, and Melissa Carr – Business Development Manager based in Wgtn. We are hoping for a great turnout. Greg is only back in NZ for a day after six weeks in Europe so we very much appreciate his effort in presenting to the Club. We hope that members will respond by placing orders with Yealands, who we understand will be offering good discounted prices.

The wines to be presented include:

  • Peter Yealands Violet Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (quaffer)
  • Peter Yealands Pinot Gris 2011
  • Yealands Estate Gruner Veltliner 2011
  • Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  • Peter Yealands Pinot Noir 2010
  • Peter Yealands Merlot 2011
  • Yealands Estate Tempranillo 2010

For those interested the Peter Yealands story has now become available in print.

With a career spanning 50 years, and across multiple industries, Peter Yealands could be described as one of New Zealand’s most successful entrepreneurs. The story of his life and business endeavours has been captured in a new book. A bloke for all seasons: The Peter Yealands Story is written by first-time Marlborough author Tom Percy.

 

Posted on

Saint Clair & Hamish Clark – Glancing Back, March 2012

saintclairAn excellent presentation enjoyed by all who attended. We have had some difficulty tying St Clair down but it was well worth it in the end.

The Club enjoyed the content of Hamish’s discussion as well as the excellent wines. Well done to those who organised this evening.

Wines presented included:

  • Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles 2011
  • Marlborough Premium Gruner Veltliner 2011
  • Pioneer Block 18 Snap Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  • Marlborough Premium Chardonnay 2011
  • Marlborough Premium Pinot Noir 2011
  • Reserve Merlot 2008
  • Pioneer Block Syrah 2010.