I was honoured to MC the 12th Stonier International Pinot Noir Tasting last November at the National Gallery of Victoria, in Melbourne. This is my fourth event, having been a panelist twice before and delivering a speech back in 2006 and, once again, this was a most exciting event and it remains the foremost Pinot Noir blind tasting in the international wine trade calendar. I will write up this event and the London event at which I am a panelist alongside Anthony Hanson MW (Author and Senoir COnsultant to Christie’s International Wine Department), which takes place on the 16th January, at Australia House in London, in due course. In the meantime here are some photos of the panel, the booklet and the beautiful room in Melbourne in which SIPNOT was held and also the full list of wines (in the order in which they were poured in Melbourne – of course, this will be different for London)!
1st flight
2009 Tamar Ridge, Kayena Vineyard Pinot Noir, Tasmania, Australia
2008 Gevrey-Chambertin, 1er Cru Lavaut-Saint-Jacques, Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot, Burgundy, France
2009 Martinborough Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand
2008 Corton-Bressandes, Grand Cru, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, Burgundy, France
2009 Bay of Fires, Pinot Noir, Tasmania, Australia
2008 Cristom, Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2nd flight
2008 Chehalem, Ridgecrest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2009 Stonier, Windmill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
2008 Clos de la Roche, Grand Cru, Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France
2009 Tapanappa, Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
2009 Escarpment, Kupe Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand
2008 Vosne-Romanée, 1er Cru Les Suchots, Domaine de l’Arlot, Burgundy, France
