L’s company shouted us a table at this year’s WWFF. We invited M and G and D and F along to join us. The setting was outside, in a large fenced-off corral built on the grounds of Waitangi Park. There was a stage at one end, and a ring of wine, beer and delicious food stalls encircling a throng of wine and enthusiasts, and a private marquee in the centre where our table was. We ate and supped, and finished the afternoon dancing in the sun! Magic.
The food was delicious. A highlight was the Indian offerings from chef Sushil, a popular contestant from an early series of New Zealand Masterchef.
The wine, overall, was rather average I thought. There were a few good options, but I was disappointed with the quality, varietal selections, and choice. There seemed to be a lot of what I would call ‘supermarket level’ wines on offer. Not the boutique wines I would expect at a gig like this. Not many local wineries…and no Riesling whatsoever that I could see!!! None! And it was sunny!
Here is what I did get to try:
Ohau Sauvignon Blanc Ohau 2015 – Fresh, lovely line of acidity and limes. Very appetising. One of my two favourite wines today.
Gladstone Vineyard Sophie’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc Wairarapa 2012 – Barrel-fermented savvy. Funky on the nose, mellow and soft to drink. Smoky. Interesting.
Tiki Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 – A typical Marl Savvy. Not memorable.
Ohau Pinot Noir Ohau 2014 – Spicy, red cherries, nice length.
Gladstone Vineyard 12000 Miles Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2013 – Lovely floral aromatics, smooth red fruit.
Margrain Rivers Edge Pinot Noir Martinborough 2014 – Deeper florals. Delicious and smoky, long and spicy. Dark cherries. Very expressive. A Martinborough Pinot for sure. My second fav.
Beach House Reserve Cabernet Merlot Hawkes Bay 2013 – Very aromatic. Expressive and rich. Drying tannins. A nice example.
After I had done a round of 40ml tasters, I had a glass of the Ohau SB, and a couple of the Margrain’s, then I drank craft beer ‘til home time.
On the way home we stopped off for a ‘roadie’ at Dirty Little Secret, a new rooftop bar overlooking Courtenay Place. I had that Riesling I had been craving for on such a long, hot day. L had a Rosé, natch.
