Set in the jaw dropping beauty of Queenstown, the 13th Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration was a three-day exploratory journey into the culture, passion and diversity of Central Otago Pinot Noir. Hosted in one of the world’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring wine regions, this is a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s top winemakers and other leading wine personalities and enthusiasts from all over the world. Glengarry Wines‘ Sophie Delich writes about her experience.
Day One
The theme for 2018 was ‘connections’ and this was explored on Day One with the Discovery Tasting. Hosted by three winemakers (each with a background wine making in an international region not dissimilar to Central Otago) the tasting was an opportunity to taste their version and understand what goes into making wine in a new and challenging region.
Wines Tasted
Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 (California)
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2015 (Central Otago)
Domaine Gilbert et Christine Felettig Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Combottes (Burgundy)
Prophets Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes 2015 (Central Otago)
Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2015 (Australia)
Charteris Te Tahi Pinot Noir 2015 (Central Otago)
Day Two
Off to the Grand Tasting held at the spectacular Amisfield Winery. This tasting is where all of the producers involved are in one place, giving everybody the chance to talk one on one with them and get answers to any questions they have. Each producer presented two wines; most chose their current vintage and also an older example. This was an amazing opportunity to taste some very rare and exciting wines.
Wines Tasted
Too many to name 😉
Day Three
The tasting today was one of the most interesting and engaging I have attended.
Hosted by Elaine Chukan Brown (one of the world’s most respected communicators of wine) alongside winemakers from the region, the focus of the tasting was the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the diverse appellations within. Elaine has spent a lot of time with the winemakers from this region and as she explained the characters and traits of the winemakers and vineyards, you could really see their personalities coming out in the wine. Fantastic wines and fantastic speakers, this tasting will be remembered as a highlight of the trip for many attendees.
Wines Tasted
Eyrie Outcrop Pinot Noir 2014 (Dundee Hills)
Elk Cove Mount Richmond Pinot Noir 2014 (Yamhill-Carlton)
Bergstrom Silice Pinot Noir 2015 (Chehalem Mountains)
Francis Tannahill The Hermit Pinot Noir 2014 (Dundee Hills)
Brooks Janus Pinot Noir 2014 (Willamette Valley)
Antica Terra Antikythera Pinot Noir 2014 (Eola-Amity Hills)
Day Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 (Willamette Valley)
