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Management let the Proprietor off his onerous duties in the relentless pursuit of wine excellence today. The Proprietor took off fly fishing, and met with some success. Landed 17 rainbow trout, all 2 ½ to 5 pounds, lost similar number. All released. Strangely, proprietor has already forgotten the name and whereabouts of the river. Selective amnesia we have noticed seems to be on the increase among the angling fraternity.

The amazing First Paddock Pinot Noir 2003 has been released this day. Stampede. Staff in danger of being trampled. May need to call in reinforcements…… (Transmission ended at this point.)

Today marked a bright new day at Two Paddocks. Now we boast not only a whole new management and staff in our vineyards – headed by Richard Flatman, but also Mark Field is now Managing Director at Two Paddocks. We’re having trouble pronouncing the title, let alone grasping the notion of professional management! Advance Two Paddocks Fair.

This week Head Office in tumult, as the company vehicle has arrived. Declared by some the ugliest vehicle on the planet, this little beauty has won the affection of all personnel, who have been fighting among themselves for a drive. However Mark is bigger than the rest and refuses to hand over the keys. Much grumbling at the wine cooler.

The proprietor has been spotted putting a brave face on things of late. Hopes for a successful Tri-Nations rugby campaign have been dashed; the All Blacks sadly last, and South Africa ascendant. Dark days indeed. Insult was added to injury with the proprietor putting up with much South African triumphalism at both Ellis Park and at Durban. (It should be stated clearly that while he is an avid All Black supporter, he is a fan of Wallaby rugby and feels an Australian defeat almost as keenly. As a footnote it should be noted that Wallaby captain George Gregan has been seen appreciating T.P. Pinot – clearly he knows his wine!)

On a brighter note, Two Paddocks was asked to represent New Zealand at this year's Tri-Nations Wine Awards, held in Sydney. A magnificent compliment to be so selected! Mind you, years of rigorous training were needed to get up to test match fitness. Seven Pinot's were selected from each of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, making a total of 21 top Pinots. Two Paddocks Last Chance 2002 came in 7th overall.

A good result among superb companies including Felton Road, Fromm, Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Fin, Diamond Valley, etc. We congratulate Olssens, our neighbours up the road at Cromwell, on their win.

T.P. Welcomes Mark Field and Richard Flatman

T.P.H.Q. abuzz with two major developments. First of all the appointment of a MANAGER - a radical departure which means someone will be actually running the show! Industry insiders are astonished at this bold move towards competence and professionalism. Starting October 1st Mark Field (ex Waitiri Creek, Tatler, etc.) will bring an assured and knowledgeable grasp to the T.P. tiller.

Secondly we are sad to see the Moffit brothers moving onto other things. In their place, and bringing an entirely new structure to the vineyards - Richard Flatman as vineyard and Redbank manager. Richard is young and energetic but comes with a wealth of experience from Delegats, Kawerau Estate, etc. Both proprietor and Richard are looking forward to our move to organics. Onward and upward!

Much self-congratulations at T.P.H.Q. An unsought "Gold Medal"{ from the Dream Team (Bob Campbell M.W., Jane Skilton M.W., Alister Maling M.W., Steve Smith M.W.) at NZ HOME AND ENTERTAINING magazine for Two Paddocks' The Last Chance 2002, with 94 points.

We looked up "Gold Medal" and by their definition 93-100 points means "The highest level of quality typically achieved by no more than 5 per cent of wines tasted."

The proprietor was seen to blush modestly. With a slightly blue tinge. (see review)

Two recent references to T.P. have crossed our desk:

The first is from Sydney Magazine, in an article singing the praises of New Zealand's "top-end drops" Quote: "The current hotspot, Central Otago, shows a similar affinity with both pinot noir and pinot gris. Colourful identities such as Sam Neill and his elusive Two Paddocks Pinot Noir add cachet to Central Otago, as does the proximity to Queenstown and some of New Zealand's best skiing." We like the "cachet" bit, but wonder if by "colourful" they're implying our proprietor's nose is a finer shade of blue than ever. In his defense, we hasten to add that he has been seen skiing this year. The nose may just be frostbitten.

The second is from the Air New Zealand magazine (July) and under "10 perfect pinots" we find Two Paddocks 2002 "The Last Chance" Pinot Noir. We've always wanted to say perfect, but modesty etc...

Both our Proprietor and our Last Chance Pinot Noir 2002 made an appearance tonight at the tremendous 100% PURE NEW ZEALAND event in Sydney. Attendees included such luminaries as Helen Clarke (P.M. of N.Z.) Hon. Mark Burton (Minister of Tourism), John Buck (Prop. of Tata Wines), Grant Dalton (Yachtsman), David Kirk (winning All Black Captain) Henry Van Asch (Mr Bungy) etc.

The Last Chance appeared with the main course of venison (brilliant combination), and Mr Neill appeared with a speech. Attendees seed astonished he could string more than two words together. Great night!

Another tough month. More frosts, late this time, and unreasonably unseasonal. Not our finest hour. Harvest + vintage begun, and Dean Shaw looking chipper regardless. T.L.N.  crossing fingers. Fans will be disturbed to note there will be even less Two Paddocks than usual. We expect ugly riots from Tianin to the Left Bank. Questions will be asked in the House.

72 bottles signed, sealed, awaiting delivery

In a daringly unauthorised departure, maestro Dean Shaw has bottled 72 only magnums of Two Paddocks First Paddock 2003. These have a handsome wax seal over cork, handcrafted by George at Quartz Reef. Each of the 72 magnums (magna?) has been numbered and signed by both Dean and Our Beloved Proprietor. These rare specimens will be available perhaps in October.

N.B. We might have said "lovingly handcrafted", but we stringently avoid cliche at T.L.N., and anyway George just isn't that sort of bloke.