New Zealand is a young nation in wine terms.  The first vine was planted in 1819 by an Anglican missionary, Samuel Marsden.  Through the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, a wave of European immigrants arrived in NZ and set up vineyards across the country.

Here is a great opportunity to meet a leading wine owner and learn at first hand about one of NZ’s most stylish ranges.  Paul Tutton is a family partner in WAIPARA WEST, one of NZ’s most prestigious wineries.

The estate lies on north-facing terraces along the Waipara river, 45 miles north of Christchurch on South Island.  They started planting in 1989 at the western end of the valley away from the risk of frost.  Only grapes from their own 30ha vineyard are used, all handpicked.  They have another 200ha but that is for sheep!  As the yields are so low, the wines are generally intense with good structure.

Sauvignon Blanc was the first wine made at Waipara West and the 2019 will open our tasting which will be followed by a dry Riesling 2019.  An unoaked Chardonnay 2019 from a single plot selection shows why Waipara West is one of the country’s leading winemakers.

Two different vintages have been secured for Pinot Noir – 2016 (14.5%) and Two Terraces 2017.  Each shows supple fruit and would drink magnificently with NZ lamb.  It is one of the few wineries to offer Cabernet Franc as a single varietal wine and Paul will show the 2018.  This is the variety that imparts much of the majesty to Ch. Cheval Blanc in St Emilion.

For a ‘Bordeaux blend’, Waipara West has created Ram Paddock Red: 40% Cabernet Franc and 30% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The 2014 reveals an exuberant fruity quality.

Finally, for the sweeter tooth with wonderful balancing acidity, Late Harvest Riesling 2011 will be opened.  This has 120g/litre residual sugar and would enhance any dinner party.

Our Covent Garden venue is the delightful Concert Artistes Association at 20 Bedford Street WC2.  The Association was founded in 1897 and today is under the patronage of Bob Cryer OBE and Dame Judi Dench.  We have secured its Theatre for our event.

As usual, doors open at 6.30pm.  Please do NOT arrive earlier as the Committee needs time to set up.

The Club expects great demand for this event; please apply EARLY to secure your places.

Date:       Tuesday 9^th  November

Time:      6:30 pm 

Venue:    Concert Artistes association,  20 Bedford Street,  London,  WC2E 9HP

Dress:    Jacket and tie for men please

Tasting Costs

HOW TO BOOK

Options:

• E-mail your tasting request to treasurer@redherringwineclub.co.uk and make a payment; or

• Via the on-line form below

Enquiries can be made by telephone on 020 8947 5082 or by e-mail to tastings@redherringwineclub.co.uk  but bookings will only be allocated when funds have been received.

HOW TO PAY

Options:

• By cheque (made payable to The Red Herring Wine Club) to:  THE RED HERRING WINE CLUB,  30 TREWINT STREET,  LONDON,  SW18 4HB

• By on-line banking (details below) 

Your reference should be as follows:

Bookings will only be allocated when funds have been received.

If using this method to pay your membership subscription(s), please advise membership@redherringwineclub.co.uk.

Please remember to advise the Club of any home or e-mail address changes

Tasting Application

Diary Dates: (until Covid19 restrictions are fully removed, events are subject to postponement and dates are subject to change)