WORLD FAMOUS IN NEW ZEALAND

Now don't think from the previous post that I do not like the other wine styles that New Zealand produces. I am holding to the belief that the health and success of the industry at this critical time is dependant on  continuing the momentum of exports with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir and to not get bored with this. France  took centuries to establish reputation and awareness of their particular wine styles as did Italy and Spain. Australia and USA took many decades to do the same. Splitting this effort can be dangerous unless the experimental and new varietals are limited to  a 'cottage industry' size and used to make cellar door experiences interesting.
New Zealand makes really good Chardonnay, Merlots and Cabernets, Syrah, Rieslings and Gewurtztraminers. I love drinking these and prefer to drink these wine styles from New Zealand than any other country but.... they will not make much of a dent in the export market and it will cost a fortune to do so at the same time as confusing the market and interrupting the growth of the aforementioned Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

That said, last night we opened and drank a superb wine. It was Mills Reef Elspeth One 2005, a Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot blend from Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay. It was of a deep red colour and fair bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and rich fruit cake. The Syrah gave it a nice spicy white pepper character and the Bordeaux varietals balanced it out with cigar box and minty tones. The finish was all class with a rich fruit and soft tannins. Wow! This was beautiful. Its not a cheap wine, it cost me $79 a couple of years back but I'm going to look for more in wine-shops. If there was a world market for wines like this from New Zealand this would be in the lead.