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This tasting was very good with a lot of members attending to find out about our “local” winery.
There was some feedback that the meeting went on a bit too long. Your committee have agreed that we should remind presenters that the meeting should finish about 9:30 pm with a 10-minute break at half time. The pourers will keep an eye on meeting flow, to keep the meeting moving while being flexible at the same time. Despite this criticism, it was an enjoyable evening, and interesting to9 hear about the development of a new wine region close to Wellington.
The wines tasted were:
Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2014; Ohau Gravels Sauvignon Blanc 2012; Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011; Woven Stone Rose 2014; Woven Stone Pinot Gris 2014; Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris 2014; Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011; Woven Stone Pinot Noir 2014.
Sustainable wines from Ohau (Oar-hoe – say it fast and you’ve got it) at the southern end of the North Island. Being a local from Wellington I must confess I have been past the vines which line SH1 just south of Levin but never stopped. I won’t make that mistake again.
Our presenter Chris Morgan worked for a time in Johnsonville on the local rag. His introduction into wine was purely accidental – went to a wine tasting, sampled his first Sauvignon Blanc and was hooked. Haven’t heard that one before.
Chris the Wine Consultant for Ohau Wines is a man of many tales but I’ll leave those for another day. Chris travels New Zealand touting New Zealand’s newest wine-growing region as if nobody had heard of it before now. Not for long going by the number of awards – Romeo Bragato, International NZ Wine, Air New Zealand, Berliner Wein Trophy and Spiegelau International to name a few.
The evening started with the 2014 Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc which was exceptional. No pretenses here. Ripe apricot, lemon and thyme on the nose packed with the subtle flavour of lime with a twist of melon. Sounds more like a cocktail and not a hint of cat’s pee anywhere. At $12.99 (cellar door price) a steal. The Sauvignon then went up in levels. The Ohau had 5% old oak aged Sauvignon Blanc added before bottling which gave the wine a little more weight and a rounded mouth feel.
The 2011 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc was even more weightier. This punched well above it’s weight and required time to open up. I kept a little back to try again after supper. What a transformation. Rich mouth feel with a finish and length most wines aspire too. I’d still come back for the 2014 Woven Stone. For me a memorable wine and similar to Marlborough’s Clayridge Sauvignon Blanc.
The Rosé and Pinot Noir would make good quaffers but I’d prefer to use them for jelly or stock. My stock recipe – combine in a large pot 1 bottle of wine, balsamic vinegar for extra tartness, sugar and beef maggie stock for added flavour depth, reduce down to a cup. Use a tablespoon or two in meat sauces or soups.
Onto the Pinot Gris. The 2014 Woven Stone has a gewürztraminer like sweetness, smooth but lacking that mid palate opulence that may well come through with a little more time. The same for the Ohau Gravels with the sweetness rounded out by the acidity. A rich mouth feel leaving you wanting just one more glass please.
Click image to view the gallery
Whoa, the 2011 Single Vineyard after spending 10 months in old oak barrels and fermented by the indigenous yeast off the grape skins really packs a punch. Very heddy on first opening, this mellows giving a rich full bouquet – freshly grated lemon zest with a slight minerality. The mouth feel full and bountiful with a hint of the sea grass. With the sea being a few km’s away I wonder this has any influence?
Thanks again Chris and Ohau Wines for an entertaining evening. We look forward to watching and tasting the progress of Ohau Wines.
Also a big thanks to Gayl who met Chris at an Ohau tasting in Khandallah a few weeks ago and arranged the Cellar Club tasting.
Ohau Wines invite you to join their Cellar Club for award-winning wines at special prices, priority advice on new vintage releases and regular cellar club newsletters and special offers.
Cheers Steve
Event details
Date: 8 April 2015
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.
Cost: Members $12, Guests $16
Presenter: Chris Morgan, Wine Consultant
Background: From New Zealand’s newest wine region – Just north of the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand’s lower North Island pioneer winery Ohau Wines is producing award-winning wines with intense fruit flavours. Ohau’s river terrace soils are similar to some of the better sites in Marlborough with a temperate climate comparable to Nelson and Hawke’s Bay.
Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are the two signature varieties. Wines are marketed under the Ohau Gravels and Woven Stone labels. Ohau’s wines are available in many international markets including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia and Australia.
The evening was excellent and the presenters were superb. Well, we have to say that – don’t we?
Some committee, and club members, presented the wines for the evening which mainly came from the Cub’s cellar. Whilst numbers attending was a little disappointing, those who were there thought it was a quality evening.
The evening provided the following; the Quaffer was a Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Wayne did a brief rundown on this wine before we proceeded with the rest of the tasting).
Following this we had the following selection; Esk Valley Chenin Blanc – (Michael Kuus presented); Esk Valley Verdelho – (Murray presented) These wines were selected on the basis that many members will probably not have tried them. We then enjoyed a Haythornthwaite Rose presented by Mark himself. After this Derek gave a brief outline of how he developed his cellar, and how the Cellar Club wine is kept.
After a short break we enjoyed a Shot in the Dark Cab Sav/Shiraz 2010, and followed this with a comparison of the Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2006, and an Alpha Domus Barnstormer Syrah 2012. The wines were presented by your editor who discussed the connection between Canadian interests and Quarisa Wines in NSW in the development of the “Shot in the Dark” label; the Australian use (or was it misuse) of South East Australia as a geographical indication (GI) for wine sales in Europe and the rising importance of Heathcote as an Australian wine region. Interesting feedback was that some thought the Rufus Stone was passed its best while others preferred it to the Barnstormer. A great night.
“The best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft agley” – Robert Burns
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.
Cost: Members no charge, Guests $10
Presenter: No formal presentation
Background
Indeed, as Robbie was well aware, the best laid plans often go astray and they have gone astray again for us this month. Unfortunately, because of changes at Auburn, they are unable to attend. Other options have been pursued but we have been unable to get a suitable replacement.
This does however give us an opportunity to use the Club’s cellar for the purpose it was designed. This Wednesday we samples some of our cellar stock including:
The evening was excellent and the presenter was superb. Simon Bell’s style of presenting a tasting was the right balance showing that he knew about wine and was enthusiastic about what they were doing at Ash Ridge. We were rapt with the turnout and the response to orders. In addition a number of members joined up to the Ash Ridge Wine Club. A great evening, and a bonus at such short notice.
Simon presented Ash Ridge’s Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Chardonnay 2013, Viognier 2013, Vintners Reserve Chardonnay 2013, Rose 2014, Syrah 2013 and the Vintners Reserve “The Blend” 2013 (a bottle of which landed on the floor when one of the tables collapsed. Fortunately no-one went without.)
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.
Cost: Members or guests $10, member with a guest $14.
Presenter: Simon Bell, Sales Manager. An EIT graduate, Simon spends his time ensuring that the public has access to Ash Ridge wines whether through the cellar door or charming the wine trade to ensure that you can enjoy our wines in restaurants and shops around the country.
Wines offered at the tasting are likely to include:
2014 Ash Ridge Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Ash Ridge Chardonnay
2013 Ash Ridge Viognier
2013 Ash Ridge Vintners Reserve Chardonnay
2014 Ash Ridge Rosé
2013 Ash Ridge Syrah
2013 Ash Ridge Vintners Reserve “The Blend”
Background
In January 2014, in their biggest step to date, Ash Ridge opened a brand new Winery on their home site in Maraekakaho. The 100 tonne winery was designed to offer all modern winemaking facilities in a boutique size, allowing them to be truly hands on in their winemaking. The small winemaking team can nurture the process from vineyard to bottle.
Ash Ridge wines are all hand-crafted, single estate wines which reflect the unique vineyard location, the passion for winemaking and the premium quality that they make. Ash Ridge produce premium Hawkes Bay Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
In order to create a range of Bridge Pa Triangle wines they have partnered with the Peet Vineyard. The vineyard is based on an ash pumice ridge of soil, and is planted in sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon. In more recent years they have also partnered with neighbour Shawn Hill, of Raptor Rise Vineyard, to source Malbec and Viognier grapes. With the vineyard being over the fence and on the same soil they are truly staying local.
Tasting review
Anne opened the evening with a thud and spilt wine. One of the tables with Ash Ridge wines broke sending bottles all over the place. What an introduction for Simon to the Cellar Club. Anne went on to thank Simon and Ash Ridge Wines for their effort in replacing Man O’ War at short notice. We’ll have Man O’ War presenting in October.
A gifted and passionate speaker, Simon spoke in some detail about the Bridge Pa Triangle convincing even the most steadfast Gimblett Gravels supporter that wines from Bridge Pa are worth more than a passing sip. In fact it’s those differences that gives Ash Ridge wines that expression of the terroir in which the grapes are grown. This was expressed exquisitely across the range of wines tasted.
Simon had obviously presented Ash Ridge Wines a few times before because his knowledge of the winery, the wines being produced and allround wine knowledge was outstanding.
After a brief history lesson of Ash Ridge Wines, it wasn’t that bad in fact it made you realise just how much effort has gone into developing the vineyard since 2000, Simon got into his stride with the tasting. Simon’s wine knowledge allowed members to understand nuances between Ash Ridge and other regions in New Zealand and around the world. This made interesting listening and even taught us a thing or two.
The wines selected for the night showcased all Ash Ridge wine styles. The 2014 Sauvignon Blanc was definitely Hawkes Bay, tropical rather than grassy. The Chardonnays were very fruit driven with the Estate making an exceptional replacement for non-savvy drinkers with its acidity just right for seafood and salads but would go just as well with most meats. The Viognier was elegant and true to its style.
The Syrah was well rounded needing several years, I’d suggest five to seven, to reach its potential so well worth stocking up on.
The showstopper of the night for most members was the first release of five varietals that make-up “The Blend”. Well balanced with great mouth feel now just wait ten to fifteen years for it to develop further. We were privileged to be the first outside Ash Ridge’s own cellar club to taste this wine.
A great evening with wines representative of the terror from a winery voted Winery of the Year 2014 at the Hawkes Bay Bayleys A&P. The only truly boutique winery to do so.
Tip: Start collecting “The Blend” as I’m sure overtime it will get as great a following as similar wine styles like Quintology, Sophia, Talisman and others.
When next visiting Ash Ridge Wines, ask about joining the Cellar Club.
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.
Cost: Members $18 Guests $18
Presenter: Mac (John) Macpherson of Advintage ably supported by John Kemble
An extended supper was provided with wines presented on the night to including:
Rosé 2014 Aronui Single Vineyard Pinot Rose 2014 Rockburn Stolen Kiss Pinot Noir Rosé
Bubbles & champagne Bubbles by Lobetia Squawking Magpie SQM Blanc de Blanc Brut Champagne H.Garnier and Co. Brut NV Roederer Vintage 2007
Sweet wines – very cool, different options, exciting flavours Buller Fine Old Muscat Valdespino Pedro Ximenez El Candado
The club would very much like to thank Advintage for their regular participation and generosity at our November tastings over recent years. We would love it if members were able to place orders to make it worthwhile for Mac to make this annual trip to Wellington.
Tasting review
Click image to view more images in the gallery.
Mac and JK’s roadshow was even better than the last two years. The tasting started with a quaffer Bubbles by Lobetia, a refreshing low-priced bubbles with citrus flavours – surprisingly good.
One of the most popular items sold by Advintage is Champagne H.Garnier and Co. Brut NV and Advintage are the only New Zealand provider of this finely beaded tipple with apple and yeasty notes from the wooded chardonnay – very smooth.
We finished the first half of the show with the 2007 Vintage Roederer. Subtle woodiness reinforced lightly toasty and vanilla flavours with a superb rich finish. As Mac says, ‘pay that little bit more and you’ll get that increase in quality you’d expect’ especially when comparing bubbly.
After a great supper we got into the rosé and sweet wines. As Mac says, ‘very cool, different options and exciting flavours’.
The 2014 Rockburn Stolen Kiss Pinot Noir Rosé was just as first remembered it back in 2010, candy-floss aromas with crème-brûlée and strawberry flavours. The committee provided Christmas pies and biscotti to go with the showstoppers, Buller Fine Old Muscat and Valdespino Pedro Ximenez El Candado.
The muscat, oh what a revelation, raisin notes with a rich intense molasses finish. This is truly a drink for anyone, even beer drinkers would appreciate the fine quality at an affordable price.
One last note. “After a brief hiatus, ‘JK’ has returned to his first love with a vibrant range of Hawkes Bay varietals. John has always made wines ‘with a big bunch of flavour ‘, and much like the man himself, these are generous, outgoing wines – full of character and colour.” – Go to Advintage for Big Bunch Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
A good tasting in May although a slightly disappointing turn-out. Orders were low, but we wondered if this might have been because members were not clear about discounts being offered by Wooing Tree. The committee plans to canvass members over their reaction to the format for this meeting.
A reminder that wines included the Wooing Tree 2013 Blondie, a 2012 Rose, the 2012 Chardonnay, the 2013 Beetle Juice (Pinot Noir), the 2010 Pinot Noir, the 2009 Sandstorm Reserve 2009 and rounded off with the 2012 Tickled Pink 2012.
Nice wines, a shame there wasn’t a little more interest.
Time: 7.15 for 7.30 pm start – Check the new start time
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions
Cost: Members: $12, Guests: $16
Presenter: Steve Farquharson
Details:
THE Wooing Tree – The Wooing Tree is a local landmark that sits prominently in the middle of the family vineyard. It has long been a place for locals to woo their lovers, and if it could talk, would have many a story to tell! These days it is not quite the private spot it once was…but we still have plenty of visitors proposing marriage and even getting married under our beautiful iconic tree, amidst the vines. Central Otago enjoys a perfect climate for producing beguiling Pinot Noir. Our single vineyard site is located in the very heart of the region, in the town of Cromwell, opposite the ‘Big Fruit Sculpture’. Come and visit! You’ll discover why we specialise in making Pinot with Passion…
Members may remember that we tried the 2011 Wooing Tree Beetle Juice in April 2013. As a result of that contact, Wooing Tree have kindly offered to present to the club. Steve is an owner at Wooing Tree and has joined us from the UK to become part of the NZ wine industry.
It will be interesting to hear his views. The wines will include:
Quaffer – Wooing Tree Blondie, 2013
Wooing Tree Rose 2013
Wooing Tree Chardonnay 2012
Wooing Tree Beetle Juice 2013
Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2010
Wooing Sandstorm Reserve 2009
Wooing Tree Tickled Pink 2012
Looking forward to yet another great presentation from Central Otago.
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 – Directions.
Charge: Members $10 Guests $12 – Numbers are limited so please reply to Robin’s Cellar Club Newsletter & email.
Presenter: John Macpherson, Advintage
John (Mac) Macpherson from Advintage is presenting again. A change of format in that we are going away from the strictly bubbly theme of previous Novembers, however sticking to the festive theme. Mac is likely to be accompanied by John Kemble again so be prepared for an entertaining night.
Look at the line-up. There is something for everyone here.
Quaffer
Veuve d’Argent Methode Brut NV – Not from Champagne but produced by the team at Louis Bouillot in Burgundy. This sharply priced French Methode is delightfully fresh, well balanced and deliciously loaded with fresh apple and stone fruit characters.
Wines to be presented
Lake Chalice Pinot Rose 2013 – Advintage say that this it is clearly one of this vintage’s best Roses. Fresh and deliciously off dry with lingering strawberry and tangy citrus flavours.
Te Whare Ra Toru – A blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. The previous vintage took out a prestigious TOP 5, FIVE STAR & BEST BUY spot in Cuisine Magazine.
Squawking Magpie The Stolen Chalice Reserve Chardonnay 2012 – Notes not currently available.
Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone 2012 – A Grenache/Syrah blend; In Advintage’s opinion Michel Chapoutier dominates the Cotes du Rhone market in the lower price French range and this glorious 2012 is, quite simply, extra-extraordinary value.
Two Gates Syrah 2011 –. Two Gates is a premium, organic focussed, brand from the proven Rod McDonald stable. Grown from fruit sourced from the original Two Gates vineyards, this is a superior Hawkes Bay Syrah that is built for the long haul.
Champagne Lanvin Brut NV – Notes not currently available, but a well-known Champagne.
Champagne Taittinger Brut NV – Taittinger is heralded worldwide as a Champagne of great finesse, elegance and understated power.
Wednesday 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.
