Matua’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir

THIS column has neglected New Zealand a little in recent months and given how much we love their wines in Ireland it is time to make amends.

A number of fine Kiwi producers have visited recently, including the towering figure of Steve Smith MW of Craggy Range whose single vineyard wines are quite legendary and whose entry level wines are pretty good too.

Also visiting was Nikolai St. George, the chief winemaker of Matua, to present his new bottle designs and to introduce the more premium Lands and Legends range. These are not available until next year but offer lots more depth and richness albeit for a 50% extra spend.

Matua’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are both on offer this week in Tesco for €10, down from 13.99 (until Oct. 22nd). The Sauvignon has attractive aromas of lemon zest and fresh grass with punchy acidity. It has none of the asparagus so often found in New Zealand Sauv. Blanc, just good depth and ripeness. I also like their fruit-driven Pinot Noir, a steal for €10.

Also new is Peter Yealands Estate from Marlborough whose winemaker Tamara Washington had the media eating out of her hand at her presentation. Here’s hoping we also get to see some of their other varieties, including their delicious Viognier.

The Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc retails at €14.99 in JJ O’Driscolls Ballinlough and O’Donovans and some Dunnes Stores. This is searingly dry with nettles, pine needles and gooseberries on the nose, good weight and fruit balanced with crisp acidity and tropical guava and pineapple touches. The Yealands Pinot Noir has the same stockists and as €16.99, is reasonable value for decent Pinot. I liked its earthy and complex nose of red fruit aromas mingled with wild mushrooms.

For the Diary: The inaugural Dublin Wine & Fizz Fest 2013 is on today and tomorrow in Dundrum Town Centre organised by the ever efficient Ruth Deveney of Deveney’s in Dundrum.

Tickets: €15, or 2 for €25, including a free Riedel wine glass. Contact Deveney’s of Dundrum: 01-2984288.

Contact Leslie Williams at [e-mail]