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First planted in 1992, our original Gibbston vineyard (“First  Paddock”) has been a consistent producer of completely gorgeous pinot noirs. Now 15 years later we have planted a further 5 acres of pinot there, thus doubling our stake in the Gibbston Valley and First Paddock. F.P. admirers in a lather of excitement – in four or five years the tiny amounts of available First Paddock pinot will be marginally less tiny!

Billy is keen to introduce his new friend Hamish. On Hamish’s first day in Goat Paddock. Hamish has settled in well from the beginning and now he and Billy are inseparable.

Hamish is a South African Boer Goat. His somewhat bland visage hides a razor-sharp intelligence. They say. He came temporarily labelled – see his left ear – and is now clearly part of the 2PAD team.

And let us dispel those Brokeback Goat rumours right away. Hamish is more of, shall we say, a fence sitter.

A touch of warmth in the air. Staff seen in shirtsleeves again on occasion – not a pretty sight, but usually means a change in season. Not a severe winter this year, and all tasks, pruning etc, accomplished and most of us have taken holidays in warmer climes. Apart from the Proprietor, who works like a dog. Barks too.

The old chap has been lately troubled by Billy the goat’s solitude up there in the pylon paddock. Accordingly action has been taken and we have entered negotiations to purchase another of his kind. Everyone needs a friend. We had thought, erroneously, that the sheep and he would get on. Chalk and cheese, alas, so – watch this space.

Our new cock Sportif arrived with a lady friend – now part of his extensive ménage. These particular chooks lay green eggs – new to us, but as it happens rather delicious and lower in cholesterol.  Take a look.

Those who follow the brand know that we do not enter our wine into competitions. We do however love a good review, and we are BASKING in this one.

In the July 2008 Decanter Magazine (U.K.) our Two Paddocks, First Paddocks Pinot Noir 2006 is listed under New World Greats to Lay Down. -- 40 superstars to add flair to your cellar.

On this list, we are one of only three N.Z. wines to be listed. The only other Pinot is Neudorf Pinot 2005 (salutate Tim and Judy Finn).

Our listing reads as follows, by Serena Sutcliffe M.W., Head of Sotheby’s international wine department.

“Great wine to satisfy the most ardent of Pinot fusspots (count me in), this rarely produced wine is special and has a few splendid drinking years ahead.”

Superstar indeed. The Proprietor is positively gloating. Good God!

It is winter in the vineyard, and things are quiet. The dogs move only reluctantly from the fireplace. The evening draws in early; the pigs’ dream of balmy Pacific Islands.

It is pruning time. Not our absolutely favourite job – in truth dull and repetitive. Where is the Proprietor to be found at this time of grindingly hard work? No surprise – the old slacker is predictably elsewhere doing what he likes to call “work”.

Still – it does make for a calm atmosphere around the vineyard – we can safely ignore his occasional smoke signals from abroad, knowing he’s up to his ears somewhere trying desperately to remember his lines.

We are reliably informed that two films he appears in will be seen in the Toronto Film Festival. “Skin” and “Dean Spanley”. Hurrah!

Jimmy Baahns (Jimmy “the ladies love it” Baahns), one of our South Suffolk rams, who is currently … servicing our ewes at Alex Paddocks has suffered a small but significant setback this last month. It was noticed that Jimmy’s … um … member seemed to have an unusual silhouette when Jimmy was faced with willing and available girlfriends. Much consternation and calling for veterinary advice, and the misshapen Jimmy … gear came in for close inspection.

It seems that in the enthusiasm of fulfilling his functions, Jimmy, perhaps a tad over stimulated, has had the misfortune to develop a hernia on his primary piece of equipment.

Amazingly, however, this does not seem to have slowed Jimmy down one iota, and he is seen hard at it day and night. Perhaps the competition of his cobber Mel Gibbston has galvanized him into some kind of frenzy.

All staff, while wincing at the very idea, lift their Two Paddocks hats to our boy Jimmy.

RESPECT!

Note: Do NOT try this at home

2nd Note: We hear the previous incumbent in Jimmy's role, Brian Brown, is having a good laugh at Jimmy’s plight.

Mark Field's recent sales jaunt to Australia

In June Mark skipped across the divide to Australia on the annual COPNL Trans Tasman Showcase. This started in Melbourne with 400 people attending the Regional tasting at The Prince Winestore in South Melbourne. Mark was chaperoned around a number of leading Melbourne restaurants and nightspots by Danae Lakai our gorgeous Negociants rep in Melbourne. These included The Melbourne Wine Room, the crazy Cookie, Seamstress (run by a Dunedinite, Jason Chan), the elegant Grossi Florentino and Seagrass.

Next port was a balmy Brisbane where the Central Otago Roadshow was received enthusiastically by a couple of hundred eager Queenslanders. Two Paddocks can now be found at Cru Bar & Deli, Stewart & Co; and The Emporium Wine Store.

With little sleep and a plane running late, the Roadshow then hit Sydney with less than an hour to spare! Again the crowds were batting the door down to get in! Somewhat exhausted, the next day Mark was again out pounding the pavement with Jason Osbourne from Negociants visiting fine wine retailers including Vauclause Cellars, Porters, and Wine Culture (Roseville) and the delightful Yumi at Azuma Restaurant.

Rumour has it that Mark then escaped back to Melbourne where against the Proprietor’s advice was out all night….

NB: The Proprietor will take disciplinary measures at the earliest opportunity!

Richard and Mike, who follow trends in Paris and New York closely, are both sporting this seasons BEARD. Suits you sir!*

Fashionistas will also note that red is favoured this year in our trend-setting vineyard.

*N.B. Both Mike and Richard have both noted in these energy saving times, that a good beard will make considerable savings in home heating bills. It’s a win-win.

Robert Mondavi died in May aged 94, A quote from him.

“If wine were a prescription we would prescribe two glasses with each meal  because: it enhances food, it reduces stress, it encourages friendship and it kindles romance. In moderation, it helps digestion, it protects the heart, it improves health, and it improves our disposition. However, if abused it is unsafe, potentially dangerous and decidedly uncivilized.”

Wise words from a civilized man. Te salutate!

Our South-Suffolk ewes are on their winter break – they travel to Alex Paddocks and graze the vineyard with considerable contentment. Having already had some quality time with our rams, Mel Gibbston and Jimmy Baahns, this holiday is also “a time of wonder” and in spring we expect a new batch of lambs.

Elsewhere, as far from the sheep he hates as possible, Billy has the hill block to himself and comes down to say hello whenever spotted. Another happy camper.