Tasting Notes and Presentations

Tasting notes and presentations are available to help you familiarise yourself with the wines. Use them as a guide and a space to capture your own impressions as the session unfolds. 

The Evolution of Sauvignon Blanc

Monday 26 January

Discover the journey of Sauvignon Blanc. From its bold, zesty origins to the refined, complex expressions of today, explore how this iconic varietal has evolved across cool climate regions, winemaking styles, and aging techniques. Taste the past, present, and future of Sauvignon Blanc in a guided exploration.

Hosted by: Ivan Sutherland Owner, Dog Point Vineyard, Jules Taylor Owner & Winemaker, Jules Taylor Wines, Frank Benkwitz, Head of Laboratories, Research and Development, Constellation Brands.

Facilitated by: Helen Morrison

Proudly sponsored by Laffort New Zealand

Click on the tasting notes links below

  1. Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc single vineyard 2015

  2. Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2015

  3. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015

  4. Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc 2024

  5. Settlement Sauvignon Blanc 2025

  6. Sileni Straits Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Cool Climate Sparkling autolysis and beyond

Monday 26 January

Raise a glass to the elegance of cool-climate sparkling wines. Delve into the role autolysis plays in flavour development. Discover the artistry behind each bottle and celebrate the best of cool-climate viticulture.

Hosted by: Jane De Witt Operations Winemaker - North Island, Lion New Zealand, Nick Lane Head Winemaker, Defined Wine Ltd

Facilitated by: Andy Petrie

PART ONE - download presentation
PART TWO - download presentation

Part one: Autolysis, which are Tirage wines:

  1. 2024 Lindauer Blanc de Blanc

  2. 2023 Lindauer Blanc de Blanc

  3. 2019 Lindauer Blan de Blanc

  4. 2016 Lindauer Blanc de Blanc

  5. 2013 Lindauer Blanc de Blanc

  6. Lindauer Special Reserve blanc de Blanc

Part two:

  1. Kumeu River Kumea Crémant

  2. Honorary Platinum Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2023

  3. Vilaura Méthode Traditionelle Extra Brut 2021

  4. Nautilus NV Brut Méthode Traditionelle

  5. No.1 Reine Cuveé Reserve

  6. Quartz Reef Blanc de Blancs Méthode Traditionelle 2019

NOLO – Trending lighter – Tasting

Monday 26 January

Speakers: Richard O’Brien, General Manager, Giesen Group and Beth Forrest General Manager & Winemaker, Forrest

Facilitated by: Dr David Jordan

Tastings:

  1. Oddbird Rosé

  2. Vice Chardonnay

  3. The Doctors’ Rosé 202

  4. Lawson’s Dry Hills  Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Tasting notes for the NOLO

Next Gen NZ Chardonnay -NZ’s mosaic of styles

Wednesday 28 January

Cool climate Chardonnay has always garnered wine enthusiast appreciation. Taste and discuss the best of New Zealand – and discover what makes our Chardonnays deserving of their increasing recognition.

Hosted by:

Jane Skilton MW, New Zealand School of Wines & Spirits
Warren Gibson, Winemaker, Trinity Hill and Bilancia
Murray Cook, Owner and Winegrower, Nous Wine

Facilitated by: Jordon Hogg

Proudly sponsored by Ormond Nurseries

Download presentation

First flight

  1. Nous Wairau Chardonnay 2023

  2. Neudorf Rosies Block Amphora Chardonnay 2024

  3. Escarpment Chardonnay 2024

  4. Bilancia Tiratore Chardonnay 2024

  5. Tony Bish Golden Egg Chardonnay 2024

Second flight

  1. Moko Hills Chardonnay 2023

  2. Black Estate Home Bottom Block Chardonnay 2023

  3. Sorrel The Wrekin Chardonnay 2023

  4. Atípico Rapaura Chardonnay 2024

  5. Luta ‘Echoes’ Chardonnay 2023