Summer 2009 Newsletter
Martinborough Pinot Takes Top TrophyCongratulations to Julicher Estate, whose Julicher Pinot Noir 2008 beat 300 entries to win the Champion Pinot Noir and then swept to the ultimate prize: Champion Wine of the Show Trophy at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards announced late last month. It was described by the judges as “a true example of New Zealand Pinot Noir at its best.” Click here for more details.
Depth and Diversity
Before taking the top accolade, four grape varietals from three wineries were awarded 6 gold medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, a tribute to Martinborough’s depth and diversity. Click here for more details. Toast Martinborough Triumphs
Toast Martinborough Triumphs
Toast Martinborough’s party spirit prevailed over windy conditions as wine and food lovers from around the country enjoyed another great day out at this year’s festival. Click here for more details.
Scotsman rates Martinborough highlyAcknowledgement of Martinborough’s ability to produce fine wines across the varietal range was echoed in the ‘Scotsman on Sunday’ magazine (11 October 2009). Commentator Will Lyons (winner of the Louis Roederer Regional Wine Writer of the Year award 2008), in writing that New Zealand is “so much more than sauvignon blanc”, went on to say that “Martinborough stands out for its chardonnay, riesling and pinot noir”. Click here for more details
Classic Pie Wins Again at Toast Martinborough
At Ata Rangi, Ruth Pretty’s classic Steak and Kidney Pie was ruled supreme by Beef & Lamb competition judges, chef Rex Morgan (Boulcott Street Bistro, Wellington) and well-known food writer Annabelle White. It was the fourth time Ruth has won the Toast Martinborough competition. Click here for more details. Northern Exposure
Northern Exposure
Ata Rangi wines will be presented at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, recognized as a significant wine trade event in North America, next April. The Ata Rangi Pinot Noir will be tasted a ‘Passionate About Pinot’ Masterclass and feature at the opening plenary session. Click here for more details
Bloom @ Murdoch James
Transformed with a new name, new look and new people at the helm, the restaurant at Murdoch James Estate is now open for lunch and a glass of wine on the sunny deck overlooking the river, daily (except Tuesdays). Chef Jerry Dolan and Restaurant Manager Michael Honey look forward to welcoming you. Click here for more details.
Cuisine Pinot Frenzy
Congratulations to Martinborough and Gladstone pinot noirs rated highly in the November 2009 Cuisine magazine ‘Pinot Frenzy’ review. The tasting rated 244 wines, with 5 stars being Outstanding, 4 ½ stars Excellent and 4 stars Very Good. Click here for more details.
January Events in Martinborough
Meander through Lunch - Move between four of Martinborough’s family-owned boutique wineries on Saturday 23 January 2010 for the delicious Meandering Vineyard Lunch. Click here for more details.
TK Day - The next day, Sunday 24 January 2010, is the immensely popular TK Day at Te Kairanga Wines, Martins Road, Martinborough. Wine lovers, families and groups of friends are invited to spread out around Te Kairanga’s grassy slopes to enjoy a glass of wine, picnic and good music. Click here for more details.