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by Fred McMillin
for December 1, 2000
Winery of the Week
Something New
Under the (Southern) Sun
Prologue
In the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the Cloudy Bay Winery burst on the scene in 1985. It created a cult following almost overnight, using grapes purchased from a large, family-owned vineyard.
The Rest of the Story
Michael and Robyn Tiller got to thinking. Their Isabel Estate 128-acre vineyard was supplying the grapes for Marlborough's most famous winery, Cloudy Bay. How about making their own wine? So they did it, and here's the press reaction when their wines reached the U.K.:
"Look out for the Isabel Estate—it's one of the brightest new stars in New Zealand."
...Wine Magazine (we've written for them)
Isabel Estate is fast emerging as one of New Zealand's best."
...Observer Life (U.K.)
Isabel Wines
New Zealand grows the world's most southernly grapes. Spell that cool climate...so the Isabel wines are from three sun-shy varietals, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling...and the region's star, Sauvignon Blanc. My panel has already tasted the 1998 Pinot ($24) and gave it a resounding RECOMMENDED.
Finding Your Isabel
The wines have reached most major markets in the U.S.A. If you can't locate an Isabel, contact the office of Marc Kauffman, (415) 467-1030, FAX (415) 467-0133.
Postscript
Missionaries planted the first vines in New Zealand about 180 years ago. We know the vines soon did well, because we have the testimony of a witness who stopped by to observe them in 1835. The visitor was...Charles Darwin!
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About the Writer Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at either San Francisco State University or San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468. |
This page created December 2000