Last Wine Tasting of 2016 for the Decanta Tapas Bar wine club in New Plymouth – Peregrine Wines!

As usual the awesome team at Decanta looked after us, organising the venue, pouring the wines, 4 of which were matched with delicious finger food. It’s a great venue and a brilliant evening, so for anyone who hasn’t been yet come and join us in Feb 2017.

After rain delayed flights from Auckland to New Plymouth to Auckland and back again, the lovely and effervescent Julia Gillon, Trade Sales Manager at Peregrine Wines, introduced us to eight “Wines with Attitude” from their portfolio of over a dozen wines.

Julia is an amazing presenter, full of passion for and knowledge of New Zealand Wine having worked in the industry for many years, at Villa Maria, Eurovintage and other NZ wine related roles. Julia introduced us to the Peregrine philosophy of using organic practices in the vineyard and wine making, and the quest for quality over quantity, and wines that are representative of the source vineyards in Central Otago from Gibbston, Bendigo and Lowburn sub regions. Grapes are all 100% handpicked.

While John headed off to the hotel to pick Julia up, we kicked off the evening with the 2016 Peregrine Rosé: Very pale Salmon pink, lighter bodied wine, floral nose with Melon and Strawberries flavours, fresh crisp acidity and finish. Just in time for Summer! RRP. $27 Alc. 12.5%

Then we were privileged to taste the NV Methode Traditionelle which has not been released yet – 58% Pinot Noir / 42% Chardonnay 18 Months on lees provided yeasty brioche stonefruit nose, very fine bead, creamy palate but dry with only 4 gms rs – delicious. RRP. N/A

The 2015 Preregrine Pinot Gris was up next – Pale onion skin in colour, fresh floral and spice on the nose, lucious pear and apricot fruit with fresh acidity, good Thai food match! RRP. $27 Alc. 13.5%

Central Otago Sauvignon is diffferent to the usual Marlborough flavours – the 2015 Peregrine Sauvignon Blanc was very pale with hints of green, lemon-lime citrus and cut grass on the nose, fruit was predominantly pears, crisp dry and finely textured. RRP. $27 Alc.12.5%

Last of the whites was the 2015 Peregrine Chardonnay – Bright golden yellow, soft citrus, stonefruit and a hint of oak in the nose: stonefruit, peaches, nectarines and creamy nuttiness on the palate… a complex, layered and elegant Chardy RRP. $37 Alc. 13.5%

3 Pinot Noirs were next in the line up starting with the 2015 Saddleback Pinot Noir – deep red cherry in colour, with a pretty floral and fruit nose, juicy red berries and strawberry flavours on the palate, silky soft tannins with a rich long finish. Great value CO Pinot at RRP. $27 Alc. 13%

The 2014 Preregrine Pinot Noir was drinking well. Deep red / purple in colour with currants, cherries and spice on the nose, medium bodied, a palate of balanced tannins, concentrated dark fruit, acidity and subtle oak. Still young and needs a few years yet to fully integrate! RRP. $45 Alc. 13%

The last wine of the night a 2011 Peregrine Pinot Noir (Limited Release) was stunning! A bit of age does wonders for Pinot! Soft cherry red in colour lighter near the rim, floral and slightly savoury notes, spice and strawberry in the nose, complex layers of tannins, oak, fruit acidity beautifully balanced – Gorgeous Pinot Noir! RRP. $65 Alc. 13.5%

I was just a wee bit dissapointed that there was no Riesling tonight – I have tasted the Rastaburn and Charcoal Creek in the past and they are wonderful…. Did I mention I love Peregrine Riesling? Perhaps Julia could come back and… just sayin!

So all-in-all a great way to finish off another year of excellent wine experiences at Decanta – it’s about trying, tasting, learning and enjoying wine – look forward to next years’ tastings with a surprise in February apparently so John intimated.

Have a great Xmas and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Cheers!

To purchase Peregrine Wine visit: https://www.peregrinewines.co.nz/
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Twitter: @peregrinewines 

(Wine notes taken by JB on the night!)