Last November, 2012, the Family of Twelve, www.familyoftwelve.co.nz a fraternity of 12 of New Zealand’s most successful and enduring artisanal private winemakers visited Singapore. I had the privilege of organizing their programme titled “Twelve reasons to get excited about New Zealand Wines”, which was thoroughly action-packed, as detailed in F12 member, Nigel Greening’s account – click here. Read More >

“Does anyone not drink wine” I asked in my opening address to a table of ten ladies that I was about to entertain for lunch and talk on the merits of pairing wine with Asian cuisine. Read More >

The wandering Palate is visiting the Marlborough wine region soon, so I thought would share some research on accommodation in the area. Having not stayed at these places, I cannot personally vouch for them, but they do come recommended by local vignerons. Read More >

By all accounts, vintage 2011 was a challenge for most Australia wine growing regions. Phillip Jones is quite forthright about it by describing the conditions at his Leongatha South vineyard as “wet and cold” on the back labels of his current releases. Read More >

“Mutton today, Mutton Yesterday, and blimey if it don’t look like mutton tomorrer!”

It seems even Hobbit’s have a taste for Pinot Noir… A little news clipping came across my desk from Judy Finn at Neudorf announcing, “Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2010 has been selected for the world premiere of Sir Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit”. The wine will be served at the launch and the dinner in Wellington next week.” Read More >

A note came through the email this morning from Sam Neill, proprietor of Two Paddocks, that prompted me to report on their 2008 Pinot Noir, which I have 5 cases in the cellar; well 4 cases now having liberated a case recently to check on how it is evolving – and was consumed within the week! The ‘Prop’ had suggested  “To drink up the 08’s, there’s exciting things ahead”, which illustrates the enthusiasm for the 2009 and 2010 vintages in Central Otago. Read More >

I waste an inordinate amount of time coaching people on wine. Most of it falls on deaf ears, which irritates me. What’s most annoying is I did not initiate it; people come to me asking for advice – what should I drink? Where do I get it? How much will it cost? Read More >

Not sure if its a longing for Christmas (summer here in New Zealand) or the fact I have had two brilliant bottles of Millton Chenin Blanc in  the last few days, so I thought we would revisit an article I wrote in December, 2012, “Annus Chenin, Ad infinitum”.

Millton’s 2009 Te Aria Chenin Blanc Demi-Sec that was sensational paired with “Countryside Bird”, Hay baked quail (think Hāngi style in an oven), forest mushroom, ash potato, Maori spinach, popcorn grits, locust, foraged greens, preview of their Wellington on a Plate special menu “Land, Sea and Sky”, designed by Andre Rotar, their 21 year-old kitchen hand! Well, with a bit of mentoring by executive chef, Laurent Loudeac. Absolutely brilliant dish and ingredients foraged from Wellington region with a wink to Noma.

A few days earlier I had the Millton Te Aria Chenin Blanc 2013, current release, which I am convinced is the best value white wine in all New Zealand and touchstone for this variety…large tasting note on this coming up.

Cheers and won’t be long for Christmas!

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The Wandering Palate’s Duck Run is migrating to New Zealand where I will conduct a duck curry – duck banquet cooking class at the legendary Ruth Pretty Cooking. Read More >

More Duck Run as the Wandering Palate gears up for a New Zealand migration conducting a duck curry cooking class at the legendary Ruth Pretty Cooking school, here is the updated recipe, pairing to Kiwi Pinot Noir.  Read More >