The Official Newsletter of the Central Otago Wine Cellar - Online Information Resource and Secure Wine Shop servicing the Central Otago Wine Industry, New Zealand. otagowine.com

	BUY HOT DEALS Sydney International Wine Competition Blue Gold pinot sampler All of these wines are winners in the Sydney show... 1 bottle Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2008- trophy - Best Pinot Noir wine of Competition, Top 100, Blue Gold Award (normal price NZ$105) 2 bottles Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2008 - Top 100, Blue Gold Award 2 bottles Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2008 - Top 100, Blue Gold Award 1 bottle Peregrine Pinot Noir 2008 - Blue Gold Award only NZ$276 (ave price $46 per bottle!) QUARTZ REEF METHODE TRADITIONELLE 6-pack only NZ$167.70 (NZ$27.95 per bottle) SUMMER SPECIAL Lowburn Ferry Pinot Rosé 2009 Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2010: 4 stars 6-pack only NZ$108 (NZ$18 per bottle) 12-pack only NZ$210 (NZ$17.50 per bottle) Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2008 6-pack or 12-pack Blue Gold Award, Top 100 - Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 6x Lowburn Pinot Noir 2008 only $233.70 (NZ$38.95 per bottle) 12 x Lowburn Pinot Noir 2008 only $450 (NZ$37.50 per bottle) GO TO HOT DEALS ORDER PAGE

QUARTZ REEF WINEMAKER IN RUN FOR AWARD Quartz Reef winemaker Rudi Bauer is the first kiwi winemaker to be in the running for what has been dubbed the Oscars of the wine world - the prestigious Der Feinschmecker Wine Awards. Only six winemakers from around the world will be in Germany next month) to see who will be International Winemaker of the Year. The competition is the wine world's equivalent of the Oscar ceremony. Quartz Reef applies the proven winemaking talents of Austrian-born Rudi Bauer, who continues to enjoy & explore the Pinot Noir's many dimensions, and the convergence of the old and the new wine worlds. Wines produced from the Cromwell winery, Central Otago, include pinot noir, pinot gris and Methode Traditionelle. QUARTZ REEF WINES

NEW WORLD RIESLINGS Riesling enthusiasts will love these special Rieslings from Central Otago. AUBURN WINE RIESLINGS The philosophy of Auburn Wines is simple – to express site. As the portfolio grows, the range will eventually comprise a Riesling from each subregion of Central Otago.The viticulture will be carried out internally, sourcing fruit from special pockets of land and steadfastly limiting production to just a hundred dozen bottles of each wine – usually much, much less. This exclusive selection of quality Riesling has only just begun, with Lowburn the starting site. Rare wines – very limited production. Only 760 bottles made of the Lowburn Riesling and 242 bottles of the Twilight Riesling. Wines are bottled in heavy, punted Saverglass flutes and are individually numbered. Six bottle purchase limit on the Twilight. The wines are off-dry in style, the Lowburn Riesling appearing more taut and racy thanks to its acid profile, with the Twilight more plush and generous, appearing sweeter with its lower acid profile and botrytis influence. Price: NZ$29.95 per bottle AUBURN WINES VALLI OLD VINE RIESLING 2009 This wine, made by Grant Taylor, has been produced from some of the South Islands oldest grape vines, (planted near Alexandra in 1981). Of all New Zealand's grape growing regions Alexandra has the greatest diurnal temperature range, perfect for Riesling, the hot days mean the fruit fully ripens while the cool nights help retain its acidity. The Valli Old Vine Riesling style is consistent with previous vintages, aromatically very perfumed; white peach and ripe stone fruits, with a hint of clean dusty crushed rock, (the minerality associated with this variety). The philosophy behind the Riesling is the same as for all Valli wines; show a sense of place, work well with food and have the ability to age and improve over time, we expect it to be alive and well in 10 years so well worth cellaring and watching evolve. Price: NZ$27.95 per bottle VALLI WINES

NEW LISTING: GRASSHOPPER ROCK Grasshopper Rock is a small Central Otago wine producer, dedicated exclusively to the production of first class, single vineyard Pinot Noir. In establishing the vineyard, we searched for land that would provide the best conditions for consistently producing a premium Pinot Noir in a classic Central Otago style. The vineyard is situated on Earnscleugh Road, across the Clutha River from Alexandra. The site has high sunshine hours and high mean temperatures and is sufficiently harsh and difficult to make the vines work their hardest. With Central Otago extremes of heat and cold comes the risk of late spring and autumn frosts, and so good water for frost fighting is essential to consistently produce a premium product. GRASSHOPPER ROCK

SENDING WINE ABROAD February/March special - for wines going by consolidated shipment to Australia, USA and UK - shipping is discounted for the next month - send 12 bottles to Australia for NZ$135, or 15 bottles for NZ$145 - all taxes paid. UK: 12 bottles $170, 15 bottles $190 USA: 12 bottles $250, 15 bottles $290 - order now for these discounted rates. (Further discounts apply for orders of 3 cases or more - please enquire) PRICE: NZ$79.99 ORDER

The Landscape of New Zealand Wine by Kevin Judd and Bob Campbell This is a strikingly beautiful book, featuring the finest quality photography of a subject matter that has huge appeal for both New Zealanders and visitors alike. PRICE: NZ$79.99 ORDER

This is me this week.... out of the office on the annual Otago Goldfields Cavalcade....hundreds of horses, horse-drawn wagons, walkers all heading to Lake Wanaka from all corners of Otago over the week - due there lunchtime on Saturday 27th February. Christine and Roger will be holding fort in the office while I'm gone - Jean - check it out at cavalcade.co.nz