Wine tastings finish on high note

The last tasting at Munslows Fine Wines last Thursday was an emotional experience for some.

After 15 years catering to Dunedin's wine lovers, the shop is to close and its regular tastings will be a thing of the past.

Its managers, Mark Henderson, and before him Peter Munslow, were among the most wine-knowledgeable people in the city and willingly shared their expertise with their clients, not only to sell wine, but to educate them and let people taste a wide range of wines from around the world in their regular tastings.

Many friendships were formed at the tasting tables in the little upstairs room, whose walls bear the signatures of many of those presenting wine.

Major shareholder Chris Staynes says it's unfortunate to be closing when more people are starting to explore the world of wines but it was impossible to compete with heavily discounted wines available in supermarkets, chain liquor stores and numerous online sellers.

People might be prepared to pay for service, but the gap in price was often just too great, even for dedicated customers.

The last tasting, however, was a high note, a comparison of wines from the Gimblett Gravels region in Hawkes Bay with other top cabernet merlots from around the world, inspired by several similar high-profile tastings with international wine critics in New Zealand, London and San Francisco.

As at those tastings, the wines selected by Mark Henderson and served blind often had the tasters puzzled as to where they came from.

It was refreshing to hear the candour and variety of people's opinions, cleverly drawn out by Mark, and the way they were all accepted.

After all, what makes wine so interesting is its huge variety and the diversity of people's individual tastes.

The New Zealand wines certainly held their own, and at a more affordable price.

The wines: John Forrest Collection Gimblett Gravels Cabernet 2005 ($70), Conch y Toro Don Melchor 2005 (Chile, $93), Tappanappa Whalebone Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005 ($90, South Australia), The Obsidian Waiheke Island 2005 ($47), Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot 2005 (Western Australia, $93), Sacred Hill The Helmsman Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2005 ($66), Craggy Range The Quarry 2005 (Gimblett Gravels, $63), Newton Forrest Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2005 (Gimblett Gravels, $56), Sassicaia 2004 (Italy, $440 for a 1500ml magnum), Chateau Pontet Canet 2003 (Paulliac, France, $150).