Past Events
Christmas 2011 Food and Wine Matching at Alberton House
On a brilliant summers day this was held at the romantic timber mansion which began as a farmhouse in 1863 and was later expanded to 18 rooms, with fairy-tale decorative verandahs and towers. Alberton was famous in the 19th century for its balls, hunts, garden parties and music. The food and wine served would be more than a match for anything served in the Houses heyday. Alberton Photos
BYO Aged Wine Tasting 2011
There were some interesting, aged wines with Richard's South African selection from the 1980's being the most perplexing to identify in the blind tasting. The tone of the brilliantly sunny afternoon was set by June's 1997 Dumangin Champagne. The 'bring-a-plate' food was also a splendid accompaniment, almost (but not quite!) eclipsing the wines. Brian's 9-year-old Shingle Peak Riesling was a knockout, particularly since he'd paid a mere $7 for it!
The day was such a hit that a return match in the new year is eagerly anticipated. Photos BYO
Mid Year Wine and Food Matching Lunch at The Narrow Table
This was a chance to take some of the best of the wines presented at the Societies meetings over the last couple of years and match them with food prepared by Sonya Paget at her restaurant “The Narrow Table” in Mairangi Bay. Watch the Video Narrow Table Photos
Coleraine Vertical Tasting
This was a tasting of six Coleraines from Te Mata. "The Dominion Post" declared Coleraine “The finest wine ever made in New Zealand". Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John & Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather came from Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family properties to the wine. Also Te Mata Estate is special because it is the oldest wine making property in New Zealand.
The star of the night was undoubtedly the 82. This showed virtually no signs of age with a magenta colour and an aroma of spicy cedar. There was still plenty of blackcurrant fruit taste and it was light, almost like a Pinot Noir, just a pity we didn't have a 2009 to compare it to, next time. The 96 and 97 almost tasted like a different wines being a little heavier and and dark red colours with a purple edge. Both have the taste of blackberries and licorice in the 96 and 97 a little more leathery. Nearing but not at their peaks. The 2002 was a deep crimson colour with flavours of dark plums, chocolate, while the 2005 was a magenta colour with tastes of black currant fruit with an intense finish. The 2006 dark crimson colour with complex characters of blackcurrant, spiced plum and marzipan, sustained tannins with a very long, fine finish. All the wines were excellent drinking and yet to peak.
Those participating brought along a good selection of matching food: Pate stuffed mushrooms, rare beef, crusted lamb, peking duck, cheeses and chocolates. We will schedule a similar tasting again, this time with a 2009 which could be the best ever. Coleraine Photos
Dinner at Bracu
A fantastic evening of food and wine matching, with excellent service, at Bracu on the Simunovich Olive Estate.
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