20 December 2005

T.P. Holiday Party

Xmas party and end-of-year celebrations at Redbank went off relatively smoothly this year. Company caterer excelled as always. Proprietor again made excessively long speech – droning on about big year, much achieved, I remember during the war etc. Silenced by flying missiles, some hard.

Richard made shorter and better speech afterwards, but may have been encouraged to brevity by sight of Proprietor felled and bleeding.

Other highlights: Philippa in a skirt (until now only a rumour that she owned one); Brian’s annual attempt at resigning (something he always does after his second beer, but inevitably gives up after ugly threats to his property from senior management – Brian is, after all, indispensable); Karen’s chillingly accurate rendition of Frank Ifield’s immortal I Remember You; Kale’s proposal of marriage to Billy the Goat; Michelle’s double-time can-can, and so on.

A noticeable improvement in demeanour and behaviour was noted once staff progressed from lager to the more refined products of our own vineyards. Mark was kind enough to repeat his triumph from last year, "My favourite 25 Shakespearean soliloquies”’ as the bonfire dwindled towards midnight.

Amazingly our erudite staff know at least 18 of them word for word.

Next year Mike and Sue have promised to work up their highlights from Verdi and Puccini, a cappella naturally.

Other reports contradict the above. Indeed the T.P. Christmas do has always enjoyed a reputation for sobriety and good manners. Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between?

15 December 2005

No Faint Praise

T. P. Ranked Among the Stars

We continue to admire Geoff Kelly’s wine reviews (“independent, analytical, non-commercial”) and recommend his site (geoffkellywinereviews.co.nz). See his review of some 100 top Pinots this year, and note the illustrious company that our wines keep there, and how well they rate against them.

E.g.:

2002 Jadot Chambertin Clos de Beze – 19 (5 stars)
2001 Domaine de la Romanee Conti Echezeauz - 18 ½+ (5 stars)
2003 Escarpment Pinot Noir Kupe - 18 ½ (5 stars)
2003 Two Padocks Pinot Noir The Last Chance - 18 ½ (5 stars)
2002 Jadot Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses -18 (5 stars)
2003 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir - 17 (4 stars)
2003 Palliser Estate Pinot Noir - 16 (3 stars)

We shrug modestly, and draw one’s attention to the pricing therein. Mr Kelly is an admirer of Central Otago, and 2003, we can find no fault with this.

30 November 2005

Television Appearances

Proprietor mired in controversy again

Redbank and Mr Neill featured on T.V.1 last night in current affairs programme Close-Up in segment devoted to Keith Stewart’s proposed classification of N.Z. vineyards – a kind of antipodean version, using Maori words, to rate vineyards in a Bordeaux or Burgundy “grand cru” method.

Proprietor strongly objects to this – in Europe (unless you’re Lafitte or Rothschild) most growers regard this as a pompous anachronism, and given that it handicaps second growth downward, surely inhibits the pursuit of excellence by those producers. More than that we see it as self evident that it’s at least a couple of hundred years too early to tell which are the premier vineyards of N.Z.,  an industry still in its infancy.

The Proprietor observed (unseen on the segment) that he would in all likelihood be dead by then (200 years time) and if not he would almost certainly not be feeling very well. Keith might be a bit crook himself by then.

We like Keith – it was he who first identified out Pinot as “sexy.” He got that right, but then even the best writers get a bad idea once in a while. And we reckon the best thing to do with bad ideas is take them out the back, knock them on the head and put them out of their misery. But rock on Keith!

Incidentally Redbank looked great on T.V. (Well done team!)

The Proprietor looked…well, “ordinary” would be a kind way of putting it.

Redbank has also been featured recently on The Great Outdoors on Ch.7 in Australia, and The Tem Show on Prime in New Zealand with the amazing all-rounder, Temuera Morrison.

13 November 2005

Down on the Farm

Chickens, pigs and mower repairs

Staff and management distraught! Today Austin, ladies man and all round avian dandy (see photo) was found deceased in the chicken run. Proprietor apoplectic. Big Boy is prime suspect, but keeping tight beaked at this stage. Mystery deepens. Management considering calling on old detective chums - Warren Clarke - ("Dalziel and Pascoe") is first thought. Staff prefer Helen Mirren. Fair enough.

On a brighter note, Redbank welcomes Peggy and Polly, two kuni kuni pigs. Like most pigs these two have very agreeable dispositions. Apart from a propensity for rooting.

Landscaping progresses well around the new tasting room and T.P.H.Q. Megan Wraight, landscape architect to the stars, is at the helm. Leon Kiel, stonemason to the stars, is making some beautiful stone walls. Arne Gawn, landscaper to the stars, is planting, sowing etc. Meanwhile the proprietor is back on the mower. Richard Flatman is on mower repairs. Frequently.

5 November 2005

Fly-Fishing Season Begins

Proprietor gone...

Opening weekend for fly-fishing is always an important milestone in the cultural calendar here at T.P. More than that it means work around the place continues unhindered by bad advice from the top. Proprietor away for 3 days, now returned looking pleased. Smug even.

Confirmed catches – 22 brown and rainbow. All catch and release natch.

17 October 2005

Neil Diamond Defeat

T.P. notes narrow defeat of Neil Diamond fans in general election. The mass singing of “Sweet Caroline” at start of Election put the frighteners up us all here. We feel better now.

14 October 2005

Lambing Update

We have been inundated with requests for news from the Maternity Paddock

[below] Brian Brown, snr. -- Any resemblance to an Australian movie star either in looks or brains is entirely coincidental, and besides he spells his name differently.

We are pleased to report 130% success rate; a total of 31 lambs are now gambolling, as is their wont. All black faced with black socks.

We are happy to confirm rumours that all share the same father, a large chap currently on holiday on the Maniototo. Understandably the ram in question would prefer anonymity, given the manifold responsibilities implied.

However, we scorn discretion on these pages and we are happy to reveal his identity: the ram is our own Brian Brown snr. (see photo).

As a footnote we should report one or two casualties, mostly of the stillborn variety. Two orphans have been ministered to by the enthusiastic Georgia, and the ever patient Sheree. Sadly Brian Brown 14th did not make it, but his brother Baa-Baa is fit and well, and has his name down for Christ’s College.

8 October 2005

Two Paddocks on Tour

The proprietor and Mark Field have been in Australia this last week with 15 or so other Central Otago wine producers, flying the flag. Melbourne and then Sydney were the two principal venues; then onto Adelaide to meet our esteemed distributor, Negociants.

The proprietor gave a short address in each city and reportedly was understood by some on occasion. Unlikely but true.

Various Two Paddocks fans were in attendance including John Clarke, George Gregan and an alarmingly sober Bryan Brown.

George Gregan	The proprietor and Bryan Brown

30 September 2005

T.P.Ski Triumph

Congratulations all around

In a startling reversal of their usual display of winter mediocrity, our TWO PADDOCKS ski team has triumphed – first in the Coronet Peak 2005 Winter Classic Series (Social Division)! Here at T.P.H.Q. we are all agog.

Credit where credit is due – Felicity Oxnevad, team captain and uberdisciplinarian, has cracked the whip this year in no uncertain terms and the results speak for themselves: not only do we have silverware in the cupboard, but Wayne Cafe has been reduced from ebullient alpha-male to obedient ski-slave. Indeed the whole team have shown a dedication, a fervour even, in their pursuit of fast times and loyalty to the brand! All at H.Q. salute you!

Congratulations all round.

18 September 2005

Strange Bedfellows

Politics and wine don't mix

Election over and all at T.P.H.Q. sighing relief. Politics and wine do not mix, and the Proprietor has been firmly told to get back on his mower. Surely a rush of blood to the noggin? Possibly he has been taking the job of Chef de Quality Control too seriously? Certainly we’ve noticed a lot of stock, particularly Picnic Pinot 03, disappearing fast towards the proprietor’s quarters.

4 August 2005

Two Paddocks Mobile

BEFORE

Fully restored, running well

Our 1947 Chevrolet 1.5-ton Thriftmaster
stake-side pickup truck, a thing of rare and splendid beauty, is now home. Fully restored, painted in American khaki (or Canadian since that is where it was made) it proudly bears
the company livery on both doors. Goes well too.

The Proprietor is less curmudgeonly than usual which normally denotes extreme satisfaction. Pride of the fleet, it resists naming to date and stubbornly remains “The Truck." Suggestions welcomed.

Our friend, old car and T.P. enthusiast Jeff Williams above all to be thanked for his project supervision.

NOW

12 July 2005

Proprietor Busy

For followers of Two Paddocks it may come as a surprise that the Proprietor has another career. As an actor, of all things.

As such, it always comes as a relief to both staff and management when the Proprietor is called away on thespian duties. An unnatural calm descends on the vineyards as, undisturbed, we get on with the happy business of making the world’s leading Pinot. (Or so we like to think.)

So it is with some satisfaction that we can report that S.N. has been unusually busy of late. He is currently reprising the role of “Merlin”, with Miranda Richardson, in Vancouver for the Hallmark Channel, after finishing “The Triangle” in South Africa. Having just recovered from the considerable shock at seeing the Proprietor play air-guitar in Sally Potter’s film “Yes”, we are naturally anxious as to what to expect from this new slew of work.

Speaking of output, we hear the BBC's To the Ends of the Earth has been screened to some acclaim over the summer. We can only assume this is due to the distinguished work of Benedict Cumberbatch, Cheryl Campbell, Victoria Hamilton, Jared Harris, Charles Dance,
et al, rather than that of the Proprietor. Who it seems, is playing himself in the
(William Golding written) trilogy, i.e. foul-tempered old curmudgeon, with obnoxious politics, crap taste in hats, etc.

10 June 2005

Proprietor Afield in South Africa

Vineyard Research the Presumed Goal

Management has received several signals from the proprietor who is working in South Africa this month. Early communications indicated he was exercising diligence, if not full restraint, in his Dr Livingstone like exploration of the Stellenbosch and Franschoek hinterland.

Later telegrams were somewhat garbled (initially we thought he had formed some kind of working acquaintance with Swahili) but our investigations have revealed that his ventures into the bush were confined entirely to the great wine growing areas of the Land of the Springbok. "Worse for Wear" was the phrase that came to mind when we saw the photographic evidence.

The company of Eric Stoltz, Michael Rodgers, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bruce Greenwood, Catherine Bell, John Sloane, etc. may be in part to blame. Maybe not.

11 May 2005

Harvest News

Last grapes picked from Gibbston today. First, the bad news. A very light harvest — probably only 1/3 of what we might expect normally (a cold and wet December to blame). The good news — the best of the harvest will be of very good quality. Dean Shaw confident of a good Two Paddocks premium Pinot (no single vineyard vintages likely for 2005). In short even less T.P. than usual. Proprietor crying poor, and has been dispatched on his day job post-haste.

29 April 2005

Halliday Pilgrimage

The proprietor, having finished work with the gorgeous Susan Sarandon, (our favourite pin-up here at T.P.H.Q.) takes a trip this day to the Yarra Valley, home of some of Australia's top Pinots. Reports suggest proprietor gobsmacked at unexpected bucolic splendour of the district. Also to be granted an audience at the feet of Living Vinous Legend James Halliday at Coldstream Hills. Pleasurable meetings later with good-bloke winemakers Andrew Fleming (Coldstream Hills) and Tom Carson (Yering Station).

Hands across the ocean! The Anzac Spirit lives! All is forgiven John Howard! (only kidding)

14 March 2005

Honouring Excellence

Around this time of the year the proprietor's largesse gets the better of him and he fires
off a few cases of wine to New Zealand artists, sportspersons etc. that have given him
pleasure in the last year or so. Past recipients include Che Fu (hip hop). Tim Finn (musician) Fur Patrol (rock), Ralph Hotere (painter), Garrick Tremain (cartoonist), Graham Sydney (painter),
Hone Tuwhare (poet), etc.

This year T.P. honourees so far are as follows:

• Douglas Wright (choreographer, dancer, and autobiographer)
• S.J.D. (musician)
• Anton Oliver (rugby player and Highlander's captain)
• Brad McGann (film director of In My Fathers Den)

Watch this space for more distinguished Two Paddock drinkers!

1 March 2005

Classic Chevy Thriftmaster Joins the Team

Proprietor and Two Paddocks friend and car enthusiast Jeff Williams took delivery of the T.P. Pickup truck today. A beautiful, even curvaceous, 1947 Chevrolet Thriftmaster has been a rural working vehicle all its life and has spent its later years feeding out hay to voracious and demanding Ida Valley sheep. T.P. has entrusted its renovation to Vincent's in Alexandra (panel beaters to the stars) Expect completion of this stunner in May.

3 February 2005

2005 Pinot Noir Celebration

Delegates are recovering from a ripper weekend – a two day celebration (29 – 30 January) of Central Otago Pinot Noir. At one lunch at Wai Restaurant (highly recommended) the Proprietor, who was possibly in his cups, described the event as a cross between a rather learned seminar on aesthetics and the finer sensibilities, and something like a Munich Bier Fest for grown ups, with better booze. Staff have tactfully advised the proprietor that he should be seen to take these things with a tad more seriousness.

Still, a great success, and graced this year by none other than the lissome and charming Jancis Robinson, the distinguished Matt Kramer (Wine Spectator) and the august Steve Tanzer (also from the USA).

Two Paddocks, as always showed well, along with our heavyweight colleagues such as Felton Road, Peregrine, Chard Farm, Mt Edward et al.

The rogue Hollywood director Roger Donaldson and his fragrant wife Marliese showed his Sleeping Dogs Pinot to some acclaim as well. The Donaldson clan (twenty seven at last count) stayed with the proprietor for the duration. Only muted complaints from neighbours.

15 January 2005

Future Home

Site visit today at the rapidly growing T.P.H.Q. at Redbank. Roof on this week! Staff are looking forward to getting in out of the rain. Breens (builders to the stars) doing a top job. Our own office! Hypothermia will be a thing of the past. Huzzah!

10 January 2005

Alarming Stock Depletion

Management has expressed some concern at the alarming tendency the Proprietor has shown over the festive season to pass out at inappropriate occasions. Unkind suggestions were made that there maybe some connection between this and the incredible speed with which our Sauvignon and Riesling are leaving stock. This has been firmly rejected by the proprietor, and in his defence it must be said he acted in no less than 3 films last year and directed one other. Fatigue may be the best explanation...the kindest anyway.

3 January 2005

2004 Picnic Wines Released

Management celebrate the New Year with the release of two new wines. Two Paddocks Picnic Riesling 2004 - another stunner and perhaps not as sweet as last year - and Two Paddocks Picnic Sauvignon Blanc 2004. The latter was grown, in deference to the worlds greatest sauvignon area, in Marlborough. Both excellent value.