Misha's Vineyard » Verismo

John Fordham, Sunday Telegraph (Australia) 24th October 2010

administrator — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:35:17 +0000

October 24, 2010
“Misha’s Vineyard to take on wine world”
WHEN IT specialists Misha and Andy Wilkinson moved to establish a super-premium vineyard in the rapidly emerging Central Otago region, they cleverly set their sights on one of New Zealand’s top-flight winemakers, Oliver (Olly) Masters.

Masters, who boasts a decade-long, five-star pedigree as a winemaking sharpshooter at Martinborough’s award-winning Ata Rangi winery, initially showed little enthusiasm in making the move to the newly planted Misha’s Vineyard, in Central Otago’s Bendigo sub-region. But the Wilkinsons eventually persuaded him to at least make the journey to Central Otago to understand their passion to produce, principally, world-class pinot noirs. Throw in a couple of white back-ups – riesling, pinot gris and gew adirztraminer – and the picture was complete. After walking over the picturesque vineyard, part of the famous high-country Bendigo Station sheep property overlooking spectacular Lake Dunstan, Masters accepted the challenge.

Two years on, Misha’s Vineyard is set to take the wine world by storm, if its 2008 pinot noirs – Impromptu ($35), Misha’s The High Note ($50) and Verismo ($60) – are pointers to what Masters has in store.

Not forgetting the captivating appeal of the 2009 Lyric Riesling, 2009 Dress Circle Pinot Gris and 2009 The Gallery Gew adirztraminer (all $27).

The labels reflect Misha Wilkinson’s long association with theatre, initially as a childhood ballerina, and the operatic career of her mother, Gloria McDonall. And it’s no coincidence that the Masters-orchestrated line-up is absolutely on song.

The pinots are the wines driving Misha’s Vineyards’ charge – and for good reason.
The Central Otago region produces some of the New World’s finest pinot noirs. They consistently win approval when compared to those rolling out of Martinborough and Marlborough, New Zealand’s other prime pinot noir sites.
Their appeal lies in the power of their fruit, structure, elegance and style.

As the vines mature, their standing will grow.

Link: Sunday Telegraph, 24 October

The Fine Wine Delivery Company Tasting Team – 27th September

admin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:28:04 +0000

The FWDC tasting team reviewed over 100 wines one spectacular tasting…and they did it all for you!
September 27, 2010.
Last week was hectic, but a very welcome intermission came on Wednesday when Chris Williams and I (Andrew) attended the Negociants NZ ‘Our Friends at Home’ Trade Tasting.

It gave us an opportunity to have a look through the entire Negociants NZ portfolio under one roof and catch up with a few winemakers. The tasting was hosted at Okahu (opposite Kelly Tarltons) on Tamaki Drive, a great venue that sits right on top of the water.
With so many wines to try in one afternoon, we decided to whip around the room and taste the fizz and whites first, to give our palates a breather before hitting the reds.
There were only a handful of sparkling wines on show but the standard was extremely high. Palliser Estate Methode Traditionelle 2006 got us underway nicely with its vibrant and lively fruit flavours. Huia Blanc de Blanc 2004 also impressed us with its elegant, champagne-like texture but the bubbles of the day for me was…..the Nautilus Cuvee Brut NV. Beautifully rich and toasty, if we didn’t have so many more wines to taste I would have stopped right there and drank it all afternoon.
Trying to avoid making too many sweeping generalisations, but a few things were clear.
Chardonnay looks set to make a big comeback and the fuller more opulent styles seems to be where things are heading. Matakana Estate Chardonnay 09 (from Matakana fruit) was creamy and refined, Palliser Chardonnay 2008 was drinking beautifully (no surprise), Black Barn Barrel Fermented 2009 AND Reserve 2009 Chardonnay were superb.
The 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon vintage looks really, really good. The line up from Saint Clair was as brilliant as ever and Hamish Clark is definitely one of the ‘good guys’ of the wine industry. The Pioneer Block wines offer a fascinating insight into the Marlborough region. The Auntsfield Sauvignon 2010 was barrel fermented and delicious. The highlight for me was delivered by Kevin Judd and his Greywacke label. His 2010 Sauvy has mind-blowing depth of flavour and the Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2009 had everyone in the room talking – along the same lines of Cloudy Bay Te Koko, it’s another very special wine.
The standard of Pinot Gris in the room was excellent, and most of them were tending towards dry. Huia and Misha’s Vineyard were the two stand outs, the later being a fraction off dry and luscious with a mineral style finish. Outstanding!
Vinoptima Gewurztraminer 2006 is a magnificent wine and will reward quite a few years in the cellar, even the 2004 tasted alongside it was very youthful – only just starting to open up but an exciting prospect for the cellar.
A couple of new and interesting whites; Alpha Domus ‘The Aviatrix’ Sauvignon Chardonnay Viognier Blend 2009 was really fresh and worked well, and the Hunky Dory (by Huia) Tangle 2009 Pinot Gris / Gewurztraminer / Riesling was also real eye opener that we both really liked.
Have to mention the Ngatarawa Glazebrook Viognier 2009 which was quite rich but perfectly balanced – seriously good.
On to the reds and some lovely Pinot Noir, namely Palliser 2008 which was starting to open up nicely. Marlborough highlights were Nautilus 2008 and Auntsfield Hawk Hill 2008, both showing some nice savoury characters to go along with the fruit.
Waipara Springs Premo Pinot Noir 2009 was super juicy with nice velvety tannins. Central Otago didn’t disappoint with two outstanding Rippon Pinot Noirs from 2008. The Jeunesse is made from young vines and had loads of fruit flavour while the big brother wine was a seriously complex, earthy and surprisingly elegant. Kingsmill Tippet’s Dam Pinot Noir 2007 has picked up a truck load of accolades and it’s easy to see why, and Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2008 also impressed.
The Misha’s Vineyard Pinot Noirs were exceptional and it was a real treat to taste the ‘Verismo’ 2008 and hear about the passion that goes into it from winemaker Olly Masters.
An absolutely cracking 2008 Syrah from Alpha Domus called ‘The Barn Stormer’ looked exciting (and great value) with spicy, sweet tobacco flavours.
Ngatarawa and Black Barn offered some great Hawkes Bay Bordeaux- style reds, and I got tipped off that there was limited stock available of the Trophy winning Black Barn Tempranillo 2009 available which I can’t wait to try.
By this stage we had covered the whole room which was a relief – our palates were starting to dive but it had been a very enjoyable and satisfying tasting.
There were plenty of standout wines, but I think the three producers who left the biggest impression were Misha’s Vineyard ( a crowd was gathered around their table all afternoon was a good sign), Huia (a stellar line up of white wines– beautifully dry, pure and balanced) and the Sauvignon Blanc from Greywacke, (we certainly won’t forget those in a hurry).
Cheers, Andrew Bulman, Senior Wine Buyer

Misha’s Vineyard Named in UK Decanter Magazine’s Top 20 New Zealand Wineries

administrator — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:37:50 +0000

6th August 2010

The influential UK Decanter Magazine has named Misha’s Vineyard as one of New Zealand’s top 20 wine producers in its September edition.

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Misha’s Vineyard Marketing Update

administrator — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:10:44 +0000

Establishing a Misha’s Vineyard footprint in key parts of the world is the top priority this year for the sales and marketing department (aka Andy and me!). We have just announced our second distributor in Australia, Estate Wine Distributors. We’re absolutely delighted because Peter Papanikitas has an experienced team who are focussed on the restaurant sector in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Cairns. And we have completed our first shipment to South Korea through our agent there and the wine will go into restaurants. We’re happy to have been able appoint seven distributors in seven markets and hoping to increase that number by the end of the year.

Wine Tasting at New Zealand House, London

We have just spent a week in the UK and attended the New Zealand Summer New Release Tasting at NZ House on the Haymarket. The two consecutive trade tasting days were held in the Penthouse of New Zealand house which had panoramic views across London. It was a spectacular place for a wine tasting and our wines received lots of positive comments. We also met with potential distributors and visited a few great dining spots including The Providores (www.theprovidores.co.uk/ and The Modern Pantry www.themodernpantry.co.uk/)
– and oddly enough they both have NZ-focussed wine lists! Also went to a very fab restaurant that’s casual but cool just near Charring Cross called Terroirs (www.terroirswinebar.com/). I had an amazing dish of braised rabbit on polenta and washed it down with 2007 Barbera ‘Ronco Malo’ produced by Vittorio Bera from Piemonte – fab!

Some really exciting news is that three of our wines have been selected for the 2010 Tri Nations Wine Challenge this year: Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2009, Misha’s Vineyard Dress Circle Pinot Gris 2009 and Misha’s Vineyard Verismo Pinot Noir 2008. The latter is our Reserve Pinot which we have just released so it’s very flattering that it’s been chosen as one of the top Pinot Noirs to represent New Zealand competing against the best of Australia and South Africa.

Early in July I’m off to Tokyo for just a few days for the NZ Trade Tasting event at the Ritz Carlton along with some trade activities including a wine tasting at the glamorous Isetan store in Shinjuku which has the most beautiful fine wine section that includes a gated cellar! And then we’re off to the US to attend a fantastic event called the International Pinot Noir Celebration and to hopefully find a distributor for our wines there. Will keep you posted!

Misha

Foodie, New Zealand, 22 June 2010

administrator — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:18:26 +0000

First Reserve Ready for Tri Nations Team.

Misha’s Vineyard has released their first Reserve Pinot Noir produced during an exceptional 2008 vintage in Central Otago.

http://foodie.co.nz/

First Reserve Ready for Tri Nations Team

administrator — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:39:55 +0000

BENDIGO, Central Otago, New Zealand, 22 June 2010. Misha’s Vineyard has released their first Reserve Pinot Noir produced during an exceptional 2008 vintage in Central Otago. This wine has also just been selected to represent New Zealand in the 2010 Tri Nations Wine Challenge.

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Misha’s Vineyard ‘Verismo’ Pinot Noir 2008 has garnered many accolades from its sneak previews and now with selection into the Pinot Noir category of the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, the wine is proving its winning form. The ‘Verismo’ Pinot Noir 2008 is one of three wines from Misha’s Vineyard that has been chosen to represent New Zealand in this prestigious wine challenge with the others being Misha’s Vineyard ‘Limelight’ Riesling 2009 and Misha’s Vineyard ‘Dress Circle’ Pinot Gris 2009.

“We had a wonderful season in Central Otago in 2008 and the ‘Verismo’ Pinot Noir is a reflection of that season. It also reflects the distinct characteristics of the Bendigo sub-region with a spice-laden aroma which contains notes of liquorice and dark chocolate. It has a powerful broad spectrum palate which is balanced by a tight structure of supple but dense tannins” said Olly Masters, Winemaker for Misha’s Vineyard.

The 2008 season was noted for having excellent weather at flowering resulting in a great fruit set. After some cooler temperatures initially, the weather warmed to optimum levels of dry and relatively calm conditions. The vines at Misha’s Vineyard were managed down to just one bunch per cane yielding just 3.35 tonnes per hectare across all the Pinot Noir in order to maintain concentration.

Using 300 litre French oak Hogsheads, the Pinot Noir was held in oak barrels for a year. The final selection for Verismo was made by identifying superior ferments and barrels after which the wine was racked once and returned to oak for a further three months and bottled mid-winter without fining or filtration. ‘Verismo’ 2008 has 62% new oak and consists of Clones 5, 115 and 667. Misha’s Vineyard “Verismo” Pinot Noir 2008, of which only 126 cases (of 6) were produced, has been described by critics as “powerful’ and “well-structured” and has been tipped as a Pinot Noir with great aging potential of between 6-12 years.

As with the naming convention across the entire range of Misha’s Vineyard wines, the word ‘Verismo’ comes from Misha Wilkinson’s theatrical past. It was an artistic movement of the late 19th century originating in Italy and especially influential in grand opera where it was often referred to as the ‘golden age’ of opera. Operas of this period were based on contemporary life, including its sordid and violent aspects, and were always noted for having heightened emotions and passion with Puccini acknowledged as one of the period’s greatest exponents.

The retail price of Misha’s Vineyard ‘Verismo’ Pinot Noir 2008 is approx. NZ $60. Misha’s Vineyard wines are distributed by Negociants New Zealand.

– ends –

For further information please contact:

Misha’s Vineyard Wines Limited
Misha Wilkinson Tel: +65 98285735 (Singapore) or misha@mishasvineyard.com www.mishasvineyard.com

Misha’s Vineyard Wines are distributed in New Zealand by;
Negociants New Zealand
Clive Weston – Managing Director Tel: 021 905 565
Jane Jackson – Sales Director Tel: 021 661 356
Trade Enquiries – Freephone 0800 634 624 Email to ordersnz@negociants.com

* * Tasting Note for Verismo downloadable from: http://www.mishasvineyard.com/indulge/pinot-noir/verismo/
** High resolution bottle shot available on request misha@mishasvineyard.com

About the 2010 Tri-Nations Wine Challenge:
The Tri Nations Wine Challenge is an invitation-only challenge where the best representative wines from Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are chosen across 13 varietal categories. These countries’ wines are then judged against one another to determine gold medals, double gold medals and trophies. This year’s Challenge will be judged in Sydney on August 3 and 4 with an awards presentation scheduled on 17 September. After a series of dinners and trade tastings in Sydney, the winning wines will then tour to Hong Kong and Shanghai. www.trinationswine.com

About Misha’s Vineyard Wines Limited:
Misha’s Vineyard is located on one of the most spectacular sites in New Zealand at the edge of Lake Dunstan in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago. The sun drenched north-west facing terraces of the 57 hectare (140 acres) estate provide the optimal conditions for producing world-class Pinot Noir and a range of aromatic white varieties. The ‘no compromise’ philosophy behind Misha’s Vineyard wines requires an exacting viticulture regime, hand-picking and considerate winemaking methodologies. Under renowned winemaker Olly Masters, the range of Misha’s Vineyard wines has won critical acclaim in New Zealand and across international markets.

Bob Campbell MW, WineNZ, New Zealand, Autumn 2010

administrator — Sat, 22 May 2010 03:21:09 +0000

Misha’s Vineyard Verismo Pinot Noir 2008 $58-60. Exciting and very powerful wine from a very promising new Bendigo-based producer. Winemaker is ex-Ata Rangi winemaker, Oliver Masters. Dense, powerful Pinot Noir with a great future. 6-12 years.

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Misha’s Vineyard Has Magic – Raymond Chan, Regional Wines, 23 Nov 2009

administrator — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:15:12 +0000

Misha’s Vineyard Has Magic
Some wines have an indefinable quality of magic that transcends all empiricism. Those from Misha’s Vineyard in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago have it. The inaugural release last year yielded a range of four varietals that tantalized wine enthusiasts. The 2008 Gewurztraminer from this release took gold at the Air N.Z. Wine Awards that year, and the 2008 vintages of Riesling, Pinot Gris and 2007 ‘Audition’ Pinot Noir stood right behind this winner. Of course, the quantities were minuscule, but there are still bottles of the Gewurztraminer and Riesling around if you look hard enough. The 2009 whites and 2008 reds were recently previewed it can be reported that they have the magic as well.

Misha’s Viineyard is the passion of Misha and Andy Wilkinson, whose desire to make a range of exceptional quality cool-climate wines is to enrich their lives and those around them. Residing in both Singapore and New Zealand, the style and potential of the Central Otago wines, and their suitability in matching Western and Asian cuisines was the inspiration for Andy and Misha to establish a 57 hectare vineyard at the southern end of Bendigo, overlooking Lake Dunstan in 2005. The Wilkinson’s have a professional motto “no compromise” and this has earned them great respect in the business world, and it is apparent in the development of their wines. To that end, the advice and services of Dr Richard Smart, world-renowned viticulturist and Robin Dicey, the most experienced viticulturist in Central Otago were engaged. Winemaking is the domaine of Olly Masters, whose continuing work at Ata Rangi, and consultancy for other Martinborough wineries as well as Seresin Estate in Marlborough, has earned him the reputation as one of the finest winemakers in the country. Not withstanding the input of these experts, the ideals of the owners, as well as the special ‘terroir’ of the Bendigo region where Misha’s Vineyard is sited, the wines possess a certain style of elegance, purity of minerality expression and feel of quality that is over and above what could be expected. Following are Raymond’s notes and scores on the new release wines, which will come available in the near future:

Misha’s Vineyard Dress Circle Pinot Gris 2009
Straw yellow in colour, this has a youthful, fresh bouquet of spicy pears along with a minerally note. At present, some fermentation esters are showing and actually add lift to the nose. Quite rich and more luscious than its 5.0 g/l residual sugar would suggest, this has very good weight and textural qualities. There is a little heat showing, the alcohol at 14.8% indicative of the full ripeness of the fruit. Quite unctuous, yet with a lovely crispness and freshness. 31% of the wine was indigenous yeast fermented in old oak barrels and considerable interest and complexity will emerge over the next 2-4 years. 936 cases made. 18.0-/20

Misha’s Vineyard Limelight Riesling 2009
A very limited wine with only 152 cases made. 11.9% alcohol and 26 g/l residual sugar. 83% stainless steel fermented with the remainder naturally fermented in old oak to enhance the minerality of the wine. Pale straw yellow with youthful green hues, this has beautiful aromas of limes, honey, steel and minerals and comes across as off-dry on the palate, the clean, racy acidity preventing any cloying. Lovely raciness with the sweetness offering counterpoise and a luscious note. Tightly bound, and a cross between the wines of the Eden Valley in Australia and the Mosel in Germany, style-wise. This should develop well over the next five years. 19.0-/20

Misha’s Vineyard The Gallery Gewurztraminer 2009
A youthful straw yellow colour leads into a cooler, beautifully exotic expression of Gewurztraminer with its nose of rose water, florals and subtle spices. Elements of herbs and minerals keep any sign of broadness away. Off dry at 10 g/l residual sugar, there is a little heat noticeable from the 14.3% alcohol. However, this also contributes to the refined power, depth and richness inherent in the wine, no doubt contributed by the 30% portion warm fermented with native yeasts in old oak. Lovely acidity, which can be rare in Gewurztraminer, and a characteristic nuance of bitterness that the variety has, also shows. 456 cases made. 18.0/20

Misha’s Vineyard The High Note Pinot Noir 2008
The ‘High Note’ is naturally a step up from the very smart, inaugural 2007 ‘Audition’ Pinot Noir released last year. Olly Master’s experience with Pinot Noir has ensured the quality of this wine. Conventionally made with a cold soak, natural yeast fermentation with a peak temperature of 32°C, two weeks on skins and a year’s maturation in 34% new 300 litre French oak. 14.2% alcohol. Deep, youthful, ruby red in colour, this has a tight and concentrated nose of red and dark fruits, with the familial mineral and steel notes. On palate the wine has textural beauty with very fine-grained tannins and a tight construction binding the wine together. Lovely balance and poise, with dark, but sweetly ripe cherries melding into toasty oak and mocha nuances. A classy number indeed. 19.0/20

Misha’s Vineyard Verismo Pinot Noir 2008
A 63 case barrel selection of the 2008 Pinot Noir which was thus 67% new oak matured and a resultant 14.3% alcohol. The clonal mix here was 53% clone 5, 34% 115 and 13% 667. Dark, deep purple hued ruby red. Black fruits on the nose complexed by savoury and game nuances to the bouquet, oak in balance. A powerful and well-structured wine with considerable extract. Rich and lush dark cherry flavours, dense and a little raw, needing time to allow integration. The backward nature of the wine is typical of many other Bendigo Pinot Noirs, and this is an exceptional example. To be released in May 2010. 19.5/20

Two 2008 Aromatic Whites
A tasting of previously released Misha’s Vineyard wines that are currently available reinforced the quality of the inaugural wines. The Misha’s Vineyard ‘Limelight’ Riesling 2008 (18.0-.0/20) at 11.4% alc., and 29 g/l rs was still a youthful pale straw yellow colour and tight and minerally on the nose. Subtle complex toasty notes were just developing here. Medium-dry on palate, this was beginning to show secondary toast flavours to the honey and limey-mineral elements. Good concentration and length, the acidity becoming integral. Only 136 cases were made.
The Misha’s Vineyard The Gallery Gewurztraminer 2008 (18.5+/20) at 14.4% alc and 14 g/l rs was pale straw with green hues.. The youth of the wine was evident on the nose; still tight and concentrated with real depth of rose petal, herbs and lychee aromas. Off dry, the weight and texture was a feature. Obviously cooler climate with its sleekness, this was still fresh and vibrant and carried a very long finish with a trace of varietal bitterness, perfectly countered by the level of sweetness. This was the gold medal winner at the 2008 Air N.Z. Wine Awards, and still looks truly worthy of it. Only 184 cases were made. Both of these wines are dwindling in supply and it is advised to obtain them soon, before they are gone!
(Raymond Chan, Regional Wines, 23 Nov 2009)
http://www.regionalwines.co.nz/wine-content.aspx/mishas-vineyard-has-magic