Tag: reserve

Posted on

Looking Back – Wairiki Estate and Petane Esk Valley, Aug ’24

34 members and one guest attended the evening; tastings and sales were good.

Our presenter for the evening was Brent Linn from Wairiki, and as well as giving a brilliant talk about the terroir of the region and how the wines were different, Brent gave a personalised view of the owner of Petane and his families’ losses from Cyclone Gabrielle where they lost everything. Phil Barber lost his house, vineyard, restaurant, and a neighbour’s brewery; his brother also lost his property. The good news is that they didn’t lose family; all were safely rescued.

Phil Barber continues to make wine, but now the grapes are from neighbours, and the latest batch he is working with is from Gisborne. His wines are worth seeking out.

The different labels certainly made for an interesting evening, and a reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening are:

  • Grace White Pinot 2023
  • Petane Viognier
  • Wairiki The Matriarch Chardonnay 2023
  • Wairiki La Briar Rose’ 2021
  • Wairiki The Optimist Pinot Noir 2020
  • Wairiki The Redeemer Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Petane Merlot Cabernet Franc

Related posts

Posted on

Gold Medal Winners from the New Zealand International Wine Show October 2023, Apr ’24

Michelle Fraser from Clearview
Michelle Fraser from Clearview

What a brilliant evening! Organised by Wayne and hosted by Michelle Fraser from Clearview, a wine judge in her own right, plus with an extensive knowledge of viticulture and wine making.

Due to illness and holidays, we had only 27 attend the evening, but book your diaries for next year, as this may be repeated with next year’s Gold Medal Winners!

Michelle filled the evening with knowledgeable tips about the different growing regimes, different classes of grapes, the different way grapes are treated/processed, i.e. in stainless steel or oak barrels, skins in or out; plus her sayings that kept us laughing:

  • ABC – Anything But Chardonnay
  • Pinot Gris – Puma wine, younger girls juice
  • Chardonnay – Cougar wine, older women’s juice
  • Gewurztraminer – how to says this: Girls Get Meaner

She gave us updates on what some of the bigger personalities in the Hawkes Bay area are now doing, with Gordon Russell now in retirement, until he decides what his next project will be. However, his daughters are now up and running through their new brand Three Fates.

This was an evening that was full of surprises, and to those of you who couldn’t make it, the below wines that we tasted are available from New World, The Good Wine Company, and other NZ locations.

  • Lindauer Special Reserve Rose NV -Gold Trophy from a female wine maker, Jan DeWitt.
  • 2023 Giesen Estate Riesling – Double Gold Trophy For Champion Riesling
  • 2022 Leefield Station Gewurztraminer -Double Gold Trophy for Champion Gertz this is owned by the same family who own NED wines.
  • 2022 Brancott Estate Letter Series O Chardonnay – Double Gold Trophy for Champion Chardonnay + Champion Wine of the Show again a female wine maker, Laura Kate Morgan
  • 2021 Daisy Rock Reserve Pinot Noir – Gold Medal
  • 2021 Esk Valley Artisanal Hawkes Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon – Gold Medal sadly Esk Valley is now more, so snap up this one if you like Bordeaux style wines.

Related posts

Posted on

Gold Medal Winners from the New Zealand International Wine Show Oct ’23

Hosted by Michelle Fraser, Clearview Sales Manager and occasional Wine Judge

Wednesday 10th April, 8 pm Start
Door Price: Members $14 / Guests $18

Please remember your tasting glasses
Please remember your tasting glasses

Immediately after the Gold Medal Winners from the New Zealand International Wine Show were announced last October, your club set out to acquire 3 bottles of 7 gold medal wines for us to taste
this month. April was chosen to do this as that is a time of the year when the wine industry is busy with harvest and thus many wineries are unavailable to present to us.

The beauty of doing this immediately that the announcements were made were two-fold. It meant that the wines were still available and more importantly it also gave us an opportunity to secure 5 that were trophy wines, one of which was also the overall Champion Wine of the Show.

And to help us present these wonderful wines to you all, we have invited Clearview Sales Manager, Michelle Fraser back to help us. You may recall that last year she mentioned that she has been a wine judge but she also comes with an extensive knowledge of viticulture and wine making, so is well placed to provide background and her take on each of our wines that we will be tasting.

The wines we will be tasting are:

  • Lindauer Special Reserve Rose NV – Gold & Trophy for Champion NZ Sparkling Wine
  • 2023 Giesen Estate Riesling – Double Gold & Trophy For Champion Riesling
  • 2022 Leefield Station Gewurztraminer -Double Gold & Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer
  • 2022 Brancott Estate Letter Series O Chardonnay – Double Gold, Trophy for Champion Chardonnay plus Champion Wine of the Show
  • 2021 Daisy Rock Reserve Pinot Noir – Gold Medal
  • 2021 Esk Valley Artisanal Hawkes Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon – Gold Medal
  • 2021 Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Syrah – Double Gold, Trophy for Champion Syrah, Trophy for Champion Syrah & Predominant Blends & Trophy for Champion Commercial Red Wine

Related posts

Posted on

Looking Back – Riverby Estate w/ Kevin Courtenay ‘Feb 24

Kevin presented to us, with his views on the Marlborough history of wine growing, supplying and the present, as well as his predictions for the future of the area. All very informative and well received, leading to more than a bit of discussion by the members present. An intriguing evening of information and wine tasting.

A reminder of the tastings we had during the evening:

  • Riverby Rosé 2023 – Welcome wine – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Reserve Chardonnay 2022
  • Riverby Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Gruner Veltliner 2022
  • Riverby OVB 2021
  • Riverby Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Riverby Noble Riesling 2019 – multiple award winner.

As well as the above, we were offered a small tasting of two of Riverby’s Rieslings:

  • Sal’s Block Riesling 2023 – this was a dri-ish tipple with 20gm of sugar
  • Eliza Riesling 2023 [blend of Riesling and sweet grapes] with 40gm of sugar

Both well received, depending on how sweet you like your wines. Kevin mentioned that most of his Rieslings go to the Scandinavian countries in Europe.

This tasting was clearly enjoyed, as evidenced by the 141 bottles ordered from Kevin. Well done.

Related posts

Posted on

Tasting – Riverby Estate, Feb ’24

Wednesday 14th February 8 pm start
Door Price:  Members $10 / Guests $14

We have lined up for your February Club Monthly meeting an evening with Kevin Courtney of Riverby Estate from Blenheim.

Riverby are a boutique, family owned and run wine producer in Marlborough’s Jackson Road heartland. All grapes are grown on the estate vineyard by descendants of the Matthews family, who have been farming the property for over 100 years.  The Matthews farm was called Riverby and the original homestead, depicted on the Sauvignon Blanc back label, is still in use.

On their approximately 70ha vineyard they have three different soil types that allow the family to grow a variety of grapes, and their range of award-winning wines come from individual parcels on that single vineyard. Although not all their wines are made every year, as this depends on the quality of grapes for vintage.

The Riverby name originated from the Opawa River and its tributaries, which meandered through the property. This river was diverted in the 1930s to stop Blenheim from flooding, creating what was eventually to become ideal grape growing land. The rainbow trout on the Riverby label is symbolic of the fish that used to swim where grapes are now grown.

Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 - Silver Medal NZIWS 2022
Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 – Silver Medal NZIWS 2022

They are proud to practice sustainable grape-growing techniques throughout the whole grape-growing and winemaking cycle and are also pleased to be eligible to be members of Appellation Wine Marlborough (AWM) because of their vineyard practices and restricted yields.

In a throw-back to past glories, sheep are used extensively throughout the vineyard to control weeds and grasses.

Wines for the evening: 

  • Riverby Rose’ 2023 – Welcome wine – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Reserve Chardonnay 2022
  • Riverby Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Gruner Veltliner 2022
  • Riverby OVB 2021
  • Riverby Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Riverby Noble Riesling 2019 – multiple award winner

Related posts

Posted on

Clearview Tasting – Sept 23

The evening was well attended, and our presenter was Tim Turvey, winemaker, vineyard owner and the person who had returned tanned from Australia the day before after planting a pineapple plantation.

Tim regaled us with the history of how and why he set up the vineyard, built the house, established a native tree nursery and the expansions through to other regions of New Zealand for the different grapes he wanted to be able to use. He has 28 grape varieties they currently work with, plus a 100-year-old Olive tree that the original property owner, Vidals, planted.

He told us how the ‘White Caps’ range got its name, simply by white caps being the only colour available at the time for the new wines.

Our special treat was the extra tasting of their 2022 Reserve Chardonnay with a big buttery nose and taste from a challenging vintage, so it is in short supply.

The evening was finished with their Sea Red Dessert wine, a nice sweet touch.

A reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening:

  • 2021 Clearview Sparkling Blush arrival wine
  • 2023 Clearview Coastal Pinot Gris
  • 2022 Clearview White Caps Chardonnay
  • 2020 Clearview Reserve Semillon
  • 2021 Clearview Martinborough Pinot Noir
  • 2021 Clearview Cape Kidnappers Syrah
  • Clearview Sea Red Dessert Wine [500ml]

Related posts

Posted on

Clearview Wines, presented by Tim Turvey – Sept 2023

Wednesday 13th September, 8 pm Start | Door Price: Members $10 / Guests $14

Clearview Estate has grown and owner-operated since 1986: Tim Turvey & Helma van den Berg.

TIM TURVEY & HELMA van den BERG
TIM TURVEY & HELMA van den BERG

Purchased in 1986, the neglected but historic Vidal’s No.2 Vineyard at Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, was set to become Clearview Estate. Tim Turvey, with business partner Helma van den Berg, took on the challenge of bringing it back to life. Together, they hand-grafted and planted the first vines in the winter of 1988. Clearview Estate Winery Ltd was established for the first red wine vintage in 1989, following experimentation in prior years. Chardonnay began in 1991 with the release of the first Reserve Chardonnay.

Over the next several years, Tim and Helma planted thousands of trees, including avocado, olive, bay, citrus, gums, and melia. And they didn’t stop there. Together, they expanded the vineyard by three acres each year, grafting and planting vines, ramming posts, running wires, training young vines, and, for many years, completing all of the pruning themselves.

Today, the business proudly remains owner-operated. Tim oversees the vineyards and works with chief winemaker Matt Kirby and assistant winemaker Rob Bregmen to create legendary, much-awarded wines. Helma manages the finance, restaurant, gardens and her extraordinary team. Steeped in history, Clearview Estate Winery Cellar Door and Clearview Estate Restaurant have become an iconic and awarded destinations for both locals and visitors from afar.

194 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay.

Wines for our evening:

  • 2021 Clearview Sparkling Blush arrival wine
  • 2023 Clearview Coastal Pinot Gris
  • 2022 Clearview White Caps Chardonnay
  • 2020 Clearview Reserve Semillon
  • 2021 Clearview Martinborough Pinot Noir
  • 2021 Clearview Cape Kidnappers Syrah
  • Clearview Sea Red Dessert Wine [500ml]

Related posts

Posted on

Looking Back – Askerne Vineyard, June 23

John Loughlin from Askerne Vineyard presented to us last month, and he was very pleasantly surprised to find 45 members and guests attending. We have to go way back to 2010 to find that number exceeded, so thank you, everyone, for supporting us with your presence.

John explained that Askerne now has 32ha to grow the 17 varieties of grapes that he and his wife now cultivate, and whilst Askerne is right beside the Tukituki River, they were spared the full force of Cyclone Gabrielle. It could easily have been much worse, as the water rose to 30cm below the top of their stop bank!

Their cellar door is now open 24/7, and John said please visit if you are up in Hawkes Bay for some tastings, He went on to explain that whilst we weren’t tasting these on the night, he felt their Pinot Gris was looking really smart, and their Pinot Noir really good too.

The wines tasted on the night were:

  • 2022 Sérieux Rosé – the welcome wine
  • 2020 Semillon
  • 2022 Reserve Chardonnay
  • 2021 Gewurztraminer
  • Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc
  • 2021 Cabernet Franc
  • 2019 Late Harvest Semillon

And it was pleasing to note that the quality of these wines was reflected in the excellent number of wines orders received on the night.

So, thanks again to everyone for your support and a special thanks for John for his well delivered tasting presentation.

Related posts

Posted on

Clearview Estate – August 2018

Established in 1989, Clearview Estate Winery, Hawke’s Bay and its iconic ‘red shed’ restaurant enjoys an established, leafy coastal vineyard setting near the historic landscape of Cape Kidnappers.

Sit, under the blue umbrellas or amongst the vines, while you explore the comprehensive seasonal menu from the winery restaurant featuring fresh and creative dishes making innovative use of Hawke’s Bay produce.

Besides grapes, the estate also grows avocados, olives and citrus trees along with a culinary herb garden to supply the restaurant’s kitchen. Enjoy our estate grown, award-winning wines including the iconic Reserve Chardonnay or our Cabernet-Merlot blends – Old Olive Block & Enigma.

More fabulous Hawkes Bay wines to enjoy. You would be silly to miss this one. More detail next month.

Related posts

Posted on

Unison Vineyard – Terry Horn – June 2018

Yet another great tasting from a Hawkes Bay winemaker. The night was cold and wet but we were well pleased with the attendance.

Terry from Unison presented a selection of their wines which the committee felt were brilliant. Terry gave a very informative talk with a great pitch.

The wines presented were well received with good orders arising from the night. Terry enjoyed the evening as did the members attending.

The wines included:

  • 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2016 Reserve Chardonnay
  • 2017 Rose
  • 2015 Rocky Red
  • 2012 Reserve Merlot
  • 2013 Classic Red
  • 2013 Syrah

Related posts