Another glorious day beckoned in Marlborough as the temperature nudged 25 degrees.
Our first stop was the Johanneshof winery which has the distinction of having the first underground cellar dug into the hillside in Marlborough.
Owners Edel Everling and Warwick Foley set up the estate in 1991 after meeting in Germany.
There is a distinctly European feel to the style and approach. Edel hails from Rudesheim in the famous Rheingau area of Germany while Warwick is Kiwi born and bred.
A delightful set of wines were tasted – all well balanced, harmonious and demonstrated great mineral and varietal characteristics.
We tasted
- Sauvignon Blanc 2014
- Pinot Gris 2013
- Riesling 2013
- Gewurztraminer 2013
- Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle 2008
- Pinot Noir 2013
- Botrytis Riesling 2011
From Johanneshof we had a quick lunch in Blenheim before heading off to the Forrest Estate.
John Forrest is a legend in New Zealand wine making circles and he took us for a quick tour of the vineyards to lock in our understanding of the distinctiveness of Marlborough terroir.
We then received a masterclass in how to taste 11 wines in less than hour. John Forrest is an unstoppable, driving creative force and we got a terrific insight into why this estate has been so successful.
We tasted: (all Marlborough unless stated)
- Sauvignon Blanc 2013
- Dry Riesling The Valleys 2010
- Chardonnay 2011
- Pinot Gris 2012
- Pinot Gris 2011 Tatybogler Central Otago
- Gewurztraminer 2013
- Rose 2014
- Pinot Noir 2011
- Pinot Noir 2012
- Pinot Noir 2011 Tattybogler Central Otago
- Botrytised Riesling 2011
Our day culminated at the Hans Herzog estate – Swiss owned with 27 grape varieties packed into 11 hectares.
Our evening commenced with some canapes in the cellar with:
- Pinot Gris 2012
- Rose 2013
- Montepulciano 2012
Then we headed in for dinner. A delicious degustation meal accompanied by different wines with each course. A fittingly fabulous end to the first stage of our first tour. Most of the group travel on to Central Otago – after a rest/travel day on Sunday, our adventures start again on Monday.