23 February 2010

PINOT NOIR AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Diana Krall was cool, so sophisticatedly cool. Her lovely husky voice, her relaxed approach to the piano and the casual confidence she exuded that totally won over her audience at ‘On the Green’ at Villa Maria Estate in Mangere on Saturday evening. (And a certain Mr Tom Jones was in the audience too.) We were privileged to be there in Villa Maria's lovely tasting room, and so what could be a more appropriate match for the music than a bracket of three superb wines to sip and set the scene?

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Maxwell from the Southern Clays vineyard was a delicious ripe sauvignon that tasted just like this popular variety should. Slightly tart at first and then lots of lovely fruity flavours that go zing in your mouth. I loved it; just perfect to set the stage for a star performer.

It was then a lovely soft Chardonnay from Marlborough for my husband (which he would not share), while I chose to sip on Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Noir that was grown on the southern bank of the Awatere Valley, over the range from the original growing area of Marlborough. The wine was silky smooth, with a velvety texture and alluring appeal. Just like Diana Krall! So it will be her soft music on our cd and another bottle of that delicious Pinot for a treat in the near future.