A selection of five special wines, this time from the other side of the world: New Zealand. Lendl Mijnhijmer, Wine Director of Bougainville & Twentyseven Hotel and best sommelier in the Netherlands 2018-2019, visited this country in February 2018. Partly due to the unspoilt nature, endless vineyards and gentle personality of the Kiwis, this became one of his most beautiful wine trips. Text: Lendl Mijnhijmer
Online Editor: Mical JosephThe impressive New Zealand
“Visiting wine regions is a must for a sommelier. These often involve short trips of one or two nights. Sometimes sweets trips come along, such as in 2018, when I was invited to travel through New Zealand together with 19 other sommeliers for two weeks. 18.500 kilometers away, 30 hours of flying, 15 nationalities, 20 wine nerds, 1 common goal: to absorb as much as possible of the breathtaking landscape, wines, food and culture of the Kiwis. At first it took some experimenting, but it soon became clear that despite the different norms and values, one clear language was spoken. That language was wine! In the sometimes strange world of wine, I continue to find it special that it is precisely that fermented grape juice that connects. Not only with friends or family during a dinner, wine has even reached such a point that it has connected a group of complete strangers for life, 18.500 km away. Wine knows no boundaries, wine brings connection again and again!”nv Akarua 'Brut', Central Otago, South Island
“I generally choose Champagne as my go-to bubble. However, I was very surprised by the delicious Sparkling brut from Akarua. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Accessible, but anything but boring. Fine, exotic, refined bubbles and a delicious dry aftertaste.”
Importer: Wine on Dronk
2015 Dog Point Vineyards 'Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc', Marlborough, South Island
“Dog Point is one of the top producers of the world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The Section 94 is anything but typical. Less tropical fruit, more funkyness! Dried flowers, candied citrus fruit and toast. The secret is 18 months of aging in French oak barrels, which gives structure and enormous complexity and length. A Great wine.”
Importer: New World Wineries
2016 Dry River Wines 'Craighall Riesling', Martinborough, North Island
“Perhaps the most striking producer during my trip through New Zealand. Riesling at a high level, but with a different dimension. Ripe peach and kiwi in combination with the classic lemon peel and apple blossom. Fresh sweet on the nose, invigorating tight acidity on the palette. Extremely rich and rich, but everything with sublime balance and refinement. Whoa!”
Importer: Marius Your Wine Friend 'Les Genereux'
2014 Millton Vineyards 'Clos de Ste. Anne Chenin Blanc', Gisbourne, North Island
“Gisbourne, the easternmost wine region in the world. For me, this is the best vineyard in the region. Ripe stone fruits, apple with a light smokiness due to the unique terroir. This wine smells wonderful, but the palette is the real asset. Different layers of flavors, bone dry, lime, bitters, almost salty. An ultimately complete wine, Grand Cru Level.”
Importer: New World Wineries
2014 Felton Road 'Block 3 Pinot Noir', Central Otago, South Island
“A textbook Pinot Noir! An almost antisocial, wonderfully expressive perfume of ripe red fruit and sweet and sour black cherries. You can't stop smelling this wine. But, don't forget to take a sip. You will be impressed by the silky soft fruit, the tight ripe tannins and the wonderful soft acidity that make this wine so sexy and attractive. A must drink.”
Importer: Residence Wines
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