Star of New Zealand - Event notes and photos

Author: Simon Zhou
Venue: Piazza D’Oro, Shanghai Fashion Hub, Building 2, No. 1718 Tianshan Road, Shanghai
Date of event: 23/08/2005

New Zealand has long been regarded as one of the world’s top white wine producers, but at Ruby Red we know New Zealand’s red wine is world class as well. I was interested to discover what other people thought of the wine and in particular, an aged merlot from Villa Maria which we included to prove that New Zealand wine is capable of aging as well.

Many of the tasters were surprised by how good some of the wines were. The highlight of the tasting for me was the Villa Maria Reserve Merlot/Cabernet Franc 92. The best value for money wine was Hunter’s Pinot Noir 2002. One further wine to mention is Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 04, which has been consistently impressive and without exception. It performed extremely well at this tasting, but I guess it was no surprise there.

Detailed tasting notes

Highfield Estate Riesling 2000, Marlborough, New Zealand
100% stainless steel fermentation. The nose is floral with citrus and a hint of kerosene. The palate is fresh with a touch of sweetness and perfect balance of acidity. The finish is earthy and refreshing. At 5 years old this is a perfect wine with Chinese cuisine. RMB 256

Te Mata Woodthorpe Sauvignon Blanc 2004, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
From one of the most reputable wineries in New Zealand, this is sealed with screw cap to ensure freshness. The wine is grown in the Hawke’s Bay region with fresh lime and cut grass [aromas]. Like many Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blancs from this vintage, this is wonderfully varietal with a crisp steeliness, green fruit flavours, a richness to the texture and an oiliness to the punchy pungent finish. RMB 196

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2004, Marlborough, New Zealand
A legend in the wine world, this is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (90%) and Semillon. This is a classic wine, fresh asparagus on the nose with an irresistible aroma and zesty style. A small sip is enough to fill your mouth with an array of flavours. Rich and full bodied with fantastic depth of fruit, the wine is complex and the taste just lingers on and on. A wine that deserves its reputation. RMB 400

Millsreef Reserve Chardonnay 2002, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Gold medal in 2003, this wine has become one of the most recognisable brands in New Zealand. It is easy to see why. Aged in oak for nine months, it is golden in colour with lovely toasty oak and creaminess together with white peach and pineapple. Full bodied and rich with sweet fruit finish. Great balance and the perfect partner for Salmon. RMB 260

Hunters Pinot Noir 2002, Marlborough, New Zealand
Made by one of the best-known women in the wine business, Jane Hunter, who was winner of the “Woman in Wine” award in London this year, one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry. The wine did not fail to impress with strawberry, raspberry and spice interwoven with a clever use of oak. Soft and lush with a perfect balance of ripe fruit and gentle tannin. Could go very well with slow cooked bamboo and pork belly. Bargain of the night. RMB 260

Dry River Pinot Noir 2002, Martinborough, New Zealand
One of the rarest wines in New Zealand, almost impossible to get. This is from my personal collection. Dark and purple on the rim, with exotic spice and black plum aromas lifting from the glass. A much bigger wine when compared to the last one with layers of oak and fruit backed with solid tannin. This is a big and demanding wine. For my palate, this is far to young to drink, another 5 years in the cellar and this wine will become something very special. RMB 980

Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1992, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
The oldest wine in the tasting from one of the most awarded wineries in New Zealand. Again from my personal collection. At 13 years old, this wine showed a dark ruby colour with no hints of brown. Soft and seductive on the nose with cedar, leather and sweetness. Complex and subtle with flavours developing every minute. Lovely and mature, a proof that a good New Zealand wine can age gracefully. RMB 850

Te Mata Coleraine 2002, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
One of the icons of New Zealand red wine, this is Te Mata’s flagship wine. First made in 1982, Coleraine has always been impressive year in and year out. Although young, it is already showing its class. Youthful looking with a bright purple rim and deep dark core. Young Cabernet (55%) on the nose with blueberry and ripe plum. Sweet on the palate with smoky oak treatment. Firm but approachable, the finish is soft and lingering. No doubt it will be better with some bottle age. RMB 520