THE TIMES, TIM ATKIN MW, 18th March 2010

In January we were honoured to have Tim Atkin MW visit us at Man O' War with Kieron Galliard from SH Jones. They were making their way around New Zealand wine regions before heading to the Merlot Cabernet & Syrah Symposium's in Hawke's Bay and Pinot Noir 2010 conference in Wellington.

Tim had discovered our Syrahs at the NZ New Release tasting in London held by New Zealand Winegrowers, and selected our Dreadnought Syrah 2008 as one of two New Zealand wines to present in an International line up at the Syrah Symposium, with Craggy Range Le Sol 2007.

We had an amazing tour around the property and a great time together at the conferences. Later this year we will catch up with them both in London, when we are visiting in May / June.

Below is a photo from the visit standing in Madmans vineyard, the home of our Syrah, which Tim has recently reviewed in The Times, 18th March 2010.

2008 Man O’ War Syrah Waiheke Island (£16.99, 14 per cent, Caviste, 01256 770397) I can’t remember the last time I was as impressed by a syrah from outside the Rhône Valley. This comes from Waiheke Island and shows savoury, pepper spice notes, oodles of blackberry fruit and smooth tannins.

http://www.times.com/

http://www.timatkin.com/

Auckland Trade take over Man O’ War Bay

On Monday 22nd Feb, 85 members from Auckland’s trade, along with our friends at Stolen Girlfriends Club, and winners from a George FM promo, boated, ferried & bussed to Man O’ War Bay for the annual Man O’ War Beach Party. A quick glass of bubbly at Harbourside with the crew from Eurowine set the scene. We jumped on board the Fullers Ferry and headed to Waiheke Island. There was a little dusty ride to Man O’ War were we caught up with Matt at the Anchorage with a glass of Man O’ War Sauvignon Blanc 2009.

Matt & Sara took the team on a short walk through the Puriri Vineyards to look out over to Ponui Island. Matt gave the team a great overview of what we get up to out at the Eastern End of Waiheke Island and at Ponui Island. Strolling back with a glass from Ponui Island of Man O’ War Pinot Gris 2009, school work was done and the party started.

As you can see from the photos, many had a swim, a fierce game of cricket & soccer was played on the lawn, 10 lucky people enjoyed seeing Man O' War from the air, Jacki and her crew provided great food all afternoon and of course Man O’ War wines were devoured by all.

The rest of the Man O’ War crew joined in for the afternoon activities and thoroughly loved catching up with our friends form the trade.
Can’t wait for 2011!