Mark Henderson

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Exploring Central Otago’s diversity of vintages

An unintended consequence of the DCC's draft local alcohol policy is that dessert wine drinkers...

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Exploring Central Otago’s diversity of vintages

A customer walks into a wine shop ... nope; not the start of a joke but a question asked from time to time is whether there are older vintages available?

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Young winemakers maturing into champions of the future

Central Otago Young Viticulturist Nina Downer, of Felton Road wines.

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Young winemakers maturing into champions of the future

I always like to acknowledge the results of the Central Otago legs of the Young Viticulturist & Winemaker competitions in these pages.

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Chardonnay makes headway in Central

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Chardonnay makes headway in Central

I do go on about chardonnay having sometimes been cast as an unsung hero in the firmament of Central Otago wine.

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Tasting history in every sip

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Tasting history in every sip

Gisborne - Tairāwhiti - ‘‘First to see the light’’, as the marketing tagline says, making Gisborne the first city on the mainland to see the sunrise each day.

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The bold yet food-friendly flavours in Sauvignon Blanc

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The bold yet food-friendly flavours in Sauvignon Blanc

As I write these words, a glance at the long-term forecast reveals the topsy-turvy state of the weather.

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Pinot blanc uncommon but well worth a try

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Pinot blanc uncommon but well worth a try

It's pinot Jim, but not as we know it.

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Wines to open and share, not intellectualise about

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Wines to open and share, not intellectualise about

Reliability, affordability, accessibility.

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Defining differences

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Defining differences

Recent years have seen a prolific rise in interest in chardonnay in the retail market, partly driven by the plethora of offerings from California that have flooded the country.

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Central Otago pinot noirs show the way

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Central Otago pinot noirs show the way

Congratulations to Alexandra’s McArthur Ridge wines for their 2022 Southern Tor Pinot Noir, which has just taken out one of the highly coveted Best in Show Awards in London.

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Cote of many colours

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Cote of many colours

Mark Henderson samples some earthy and spicy French reds.

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What’s on offer changes with each price range

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What’s on offer changes with each price range

Another bout of Pinot Noirs from Central today, covering three distinct price ranges: two in the $30s, two in the $50s and two in the $75-$80 bracket.

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London award shines light on NZ

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London award shines light on NZ

Anyone who has spent time living and working in London will have heard the announcements on the London Underground to "mind the gap".

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Overcoming internal hurdles to embrace rieslings

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Overcoming internal hurdles to embrace rieslings

The day I tasted these wines I bumped into an old friend, Bruce, who happens to be an ardent fan of both riesling and Gewurztraminer.

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Best way to taste region’s wines is to take a visit

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Best way to taste region’s wines is to take a visit

Time for a double header of Central Otago Pinot Noir with a mix today of established wineries and some of the first releases from a newcomer - Monte Christo from Alexandra/Clyde.

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Top placing for Felton Road winery

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Top placing for Felton Road winery

The publication The Real Review has just released its list of Top Wineries of New Zealand 2024 and I’m delighted to report that Felton Road Wines in Bannockburn has been crowned the No 1 winery.

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Raising a glass to sustainability

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Raising a glass to sustainability

Sustainability. While some may regard it as a bit of a buzzword, both the concept and style of farming/viticulture have been seriously embraced across our wine industry.

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Fruity ripeness of pinot gris but not too sweet

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Fruity ripeness of pinot gris but not too sweet

It has been a little while since I sat down to a selection of Pinot Gris and I was delighted with the showing of the assembled wines.

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

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Pinot noirs, Hawke’s Bay reds across price points

Two very different categories covered today with a trio of Hawke’s Bay reds from the Trinity Hill stable followed by a trio of pinot noirs.

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Extra notes add interest to palate

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Extra notes add interest to palate

I have really been enjoying the 2023 sav blancs I’ve been tasting recently — although there is one cheeky 2022 late release interloper among today’s lineup.

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

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Three ways to celebrate Methode Marlborough Day

Held on the last Friday of March each year, Methode Marlborough Day celebrates the conclusion of the harvest for sparkling wines, which happens earlier than that for still wines.

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Mark Henderson