Mark Henderson

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Travelling to France this year? Hungry for wine experiences, history and magnificent scenery? ODT wine expert Mark Henderson suggests his favourite region; the southern Rhone and specifically the Vaucluse.

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

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A selection of Central Otago pinot noirs to delight

It was exciting to sit down to this week's selection of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

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DNA tests unlock mysterious past

Modern DNA testing of grapes has unlocked the mysteries behind many varieties, helping to isolate parent/offspring connections and give greater understanding of their origins.

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

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A bit of variation keeps things interesting

If variety is the spice of life, then hopefully today’s varied selection is the touch of seasoning you’re after.

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

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Easing into the year with some pleasing Chardonnays

Well and truly slipping back into the saddle, so to speak, as I get back into tasting mode after a rather pleasing break over the holiday season.

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

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Rieslings part two: full of balance and zest

Welcome to part two of my riesling double-header, where we explore some of the sweeter styles, although calling them "sweet" overlooks the intensity of flavour and marvellous sugar-acid...

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Rieslings Part 1: A walk on the dry side

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Rieslings Part 1: A walk on the dry side

My trusty helpers sat down with me recently to taste through two flights of Riesling, which I’ll present for you all as a double header.

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Sauvignon Blanc good choice on a warm evening

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Sauvignon Blanc good choice on a warm evening

The day I tasted this delicious sextet of wines followed a succession of warm days.

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Pleasant surprises from a less-favoured variety

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Pleasant surprises from a less-favoured variety

Regular readers will know that Pinot Gris is not my favourite grape variety: I enjoy it, but don’t reach for it as often, though I do recognise the importance of it in the marketplace.

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Impromptu gatherings call for stimulating wines

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Impromptu gatherings call for stimulating wines

Jack be nimble states the nursery rhyme and this time of year appreciates being nimble on the wine front too.

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Rose good, if weather isn’t

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Rose good, if weather isn’t

I normally submit a couple of columns before Christmas in advance of the relaunch of the Fresh section in January, so that everything can be tidy and ready once people return from holiday.

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Central sips to savour for the festive season

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Central sips to savour for the festive season

Christmas has come rushing towards me at breakneck speed: I had an idea in my mind that I had a few Wednesday columns to introduce you all to new wines, only to realise crikey, that’s not the case!

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Sav Blancs a neighbourhood favourite

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Sav Blancs a neighbourhood favourite

I found myself walking up the street one recent bottle collection morning and couldn’t resist a few furtive glances into the bottle bins to see what made up the empties.

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Monte Christo gets new lease of life

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Monte Christo gets new lease of life

Split Enz sang that "history never repeats", but I doubt Dunedin-born Dr Stanley Paris told himself that before he went to sleep.

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It’s all coming up rosés

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It’s all coming up rosés

I’m sometimes asked if I feel we’ve reached “peak rosé” - whether the wave of interest in this wine style has reached its crest and begun to taper off.

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Fruits of a long overdue visit to the bargain basement

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Fruits of a long overdue visit to the bargain basement

I’ve had a few columns recently that have pushed the boat out price-wise, so a visit to the "bread and butter" wine aisles at the supermarket seemed long overdue.

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Open up a great new wine experience at Cellar Door

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Open up a great new wine experience at Cellar Door

I spent a night in Christchurch recently and ticked a box that was well overdue.

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Top 50 acclaim great publicity

Winemaker Eliana Leal demonstrates how to blend wines during this year’s Central Otago Young...

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Top 50 acclaim great publicity

The 2023 New World Wine Awards Top 50 launched to much fanfare in early October: to recap, this competition is focused solely on wines selling for $25 or less.

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The best of Central pinot noir

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The best of Central pinot noir

Today's line-up would have to be called an extravaganza of Central Otago Pinot Noir, as these are wines that don’t cross my path every day.

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New vintage Sauvignons

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New vintage Sauvignons

It's always exciting to notch my first taste of the new vintage with two wines from 2023 making an appearance today in this Sauvignon Blanc lineup

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Mark Henderson