2005 Pinot Noir Celebration

Delegates are recovering from a ripper weekend – a two day celebration (29 – 30 January) of Central Otago Pinot Noir. At one lunch at Wai Restaurant (highly recommended) the Proprietor, who was possibly in his cups, described the event as a cross between a rather learned seminar on aesthetics and the finer sensibilities, and something like a Munich Bier Fest for grown ups, with better booze. Staff have tactfully advised the proprietor that he should be seen to take these things with a tad more seriousness.

Still, a great success, and graced this year by none other than the lissome and charming Jancis Robinson, the distinguished Matt Kramer (Wine Spectator) and the august Steve Tanzer (also from the USA).

Two Paddocks, as always showed well, along with our heavyweight colleagues such as Felton Road, Peregrine, Chard Farm, Mt Edward et al.

The rogue Hollywood director Roger Donaldson and his fragrant wife Marliese showed his Sleeping Dogs Pinot to some acclaim as well. The Donaldson clan (twenty seven at last count) stayed with the proprietor for the duration. Only muted complaints from neighbours.