20/08/2026
Kia ora Everyone! Following our South Island Field Trip, we have been dispatched to reconnoiter Martinborough’s spectacular Cellar Doors. Matt couldn’t join us as he’s currently exploring Vietnams rich and diverse history, one roadside bar at a time. So, Miss Brown subbed in, and off we tootled to Palliser Wine for a midweek Tasting and Lunch. Our tasting was with the naturally ebullient Neil Bennett, who calmly lead us through a comprehensive tasting and naughtily added an extra wine, as one of us asked annoyingly technical questions..Mr Bennett handled this with very professional aplomb. We traversed 2 sparkling wines- dry, crisp, very different to each other- my favourite is The Rose. Pitch perfect. The Pinot Gris - delicate, pear drop and very well balanced. A Sauvignon Blanc- expressive, stylish without an overt Marlborough blast of sugar and acid. Nicely handled with 10% old oak maturation to assist the texture. 2 Chardonnays that demonstrate Guy McMasters skills in making these wines for aging, nice now and will grow and develop very, very well. A Pinot Noir duo from different harvests demonstrated how weather dictates the majority of characters and flavours - worth the experience to try both, with a small pinot Lucid chocolate which makes the 2023 sing. A limited release Syrah rounded out the tasting with a bright, focussed palate. Lunch followed, where upon Miss Brown devoured a Lamb Rack with a satisfying gusto, I deferred to the Burrata (delicate, with a most excellent salsa verde) and the Sopapillas (delightful treats from Chef Norka’s grandmother). Excellent fresh flavours and textures. Overall, a classy and quality focussed cellar door and restaurant. This would be a great place to introduce newcomers to the flavours and style of Martinborough. Because the exemplary service was matched with stylish, focussed wines which enhanced the expressive, fresh food, the entire package equals a place to enhance your reputation by encouraging people to go there..
