Decanta Tapas Bar hosted Hugh Crighton from Vidal Estate last night and what an excellent evening we had – a great turnout of club members attended to sample six of the best from the Vidal Estate, Reserve and Legacy wine labels.
Hugh is a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter, as well as an excellent winemaker. He provided us with a wealth of information about the history of the Vidal family, the vineyards, the Hawke’s Bay especially the Gimblett Gravels region and the wines, including a talk on the health benefits of “moderate wine consumption” (backed up with scientific research of course!)
Hugh spoke about the various ways the grapes were grown and harvested, mostly hand-picked in the case of the Reserve and Legacy wines, the soils, pruning, thinning and reducing the grapes by dropping bunches, to improve the concentration of fruit flavours and quality of the wines.
He also gave us insights into Cooperage and barrel toasting and many more aspects of the amount of production processes and his passion that drives his work, producing some very fine award winning Vidal Wines. We really appreciate Hugh coming along too as it was his first time promoting Vidal in Taranaki – you’re most welcome back anytime Hugh!
Thanks to Alissa Bates, Villa Maria Rep for assisting and as usual the wines were matched with delicious nibbles by John and his awesome team at Decanta Tapas Bar.
Hugh Crighton – Out Standing in his Field
Here are my scribbled notes on the wines as tasted.
Vidal Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Pale straw in the glass, tropical and passion-fruit with a hint of grass on the nose, lovely fresh acidity, crisp and vibrant citrus flavours on the palate with a long juicy mouth filling finish. 13% Abv RRP $16.00
Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016
Pale golden, floral citrus and stonefruit nose, flinty, grapefruity acidity & subtle oak, nicely balanced, richly textured, beautiful drinking. Matched with Cheese Toasty Rolls specially imported from Southland… LOL 13% Abv RRP $20.00
Vidal Legacy Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2011
Lemon – gold in colour, nutty, toasty and citrus in the nose, finely textured and complex palate of grapefruit acidity, mineral (Chablis style) soft creaminess from b/f and malo – very long lush finish – aging beautifully after 6 years. Matched with crumbed Corn and Pepper Rice-balls, Aranchini. 13.5% Abv RRP $55.00 My Favorite of the whites!
Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015
Deep purple, rich dark berries, smoke and spice in the nose, medium bodied, full flavoured wine with rich dark fruits, fine silky tannins and layers of texture, nicely integrated, juicy long finish! 13.5% Abv RRP $25.00
Tapa: Beef and mushroom thin base Pizza! Yum!
Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Depp dark purple, lots of dark berry, fragrant spice / oak in the nose, massive tannins, concentrated dark fruit, and acidity on the palate, BIG wine with a long finish – maybe just a bit young yet! 10 years to go! 13.5% Abv RRP $20.00
Finally the Highlight of the evening!!!
Vidal Legacy Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2010
Powerful and elegant wine – Deep purple in colour. Floral notes, spice and dark fruit in the nose. Blackcurrant, rich fruitcake, fine grained tannins, lovely balance, well integrated palate, a gorgeous wine which will age for many more years in the right cellaring conditions. Fantastic! 13.5% Abv RRP $65.00
Click the heading for each wine for a lot more detail on winemaking, awards, and to purchase visit https://vidal.co.nz/
Keep in touch with Vidal on Social media: https://www.facebook.com/vidalwine | https://twitter.com/Vidal_Estate
