12 November 2008

Further Shock

Brian Croot, TP mainstay and old hand, today tendered his resignation, to “spend more time with Mavora (his beloved wife) and my new knee.” Brian is all metal on one side and sets off alarms in airports 100 metres away from security checks. He is getting the matching pair in a few months which should do wonders for Australia mining stock.

This resignation greeted with cries of dismay from all over the Paddocks, and particularly from the sheep for whom Brian has been The Godfather for years now. Their bleats of dismay go as follows: baah baah baah-ba ba ba–baah baah baah.

Similar scenes of outrage at Head Office with the Proprietor, in particular, put into a spectacular foaming tailspin. For him, the idea of T.P. without Brian is unthinkable. Brian knows more about tractors and stock than Alan Greenspan knows about stock markets. Come to think of it, not a great analogy. Brian probably knows more about the stock market than Greenspan. And a whole lot more beside.

We have therefore refused to accept Brian’s going, in no uncertain terms. Luckily Brian, while not around as much, has said he will come back on a consulting basis and in particular keep an avuncular eye on our livestock.

Signs and bleats of relief all round.

11 November 2008

Organics

Enquiry today about our organics. Yes – we are certified organic at our Redbank and Alex vineyards, which makes us only the second of two (after Kawerau) in Central.

We believe we are one of only 13 in New Zealand, although we could stand to be corrected on that one.

8 November 2008

Trimph

What’s a man to do when faced  with worldwide financial meltdown,  the collapse of impending productions and disastrous crop losses in the vineyard?

The answer of course is obvious. Go fishing!

After a fortifying breakfast of porridge the Proprietor took himself off to the River Mumblemumble with allies P. Baxter and R. Tompkins.

Not many fish, but all major ones. The Proprietor, almost choking on his modesty, will reluctantly admit to lucking onto the catch  du jour.
This monster was unweighted, but estimates range from 7 lbs (S.N.) to 7 ½ lbs (P.B.) to 8 ½ lbs (R.T.) You decide.

All released of course.

8 November 2008

Counselling

Alarm and despondency has spread as a result of last  night’s calamity.

Some cool heads are still to be found, however – notably Fire, who has seen many dark days come and go in her time.

Here the chickens have come to Fire for comfort and advice, which she is happy to dispense. Ruffled feathers are smoothed again.

7 November 2008

Calamity

Not a date any of us want to remember. Last night a particularly vicious frost took to us with a vengeance. As a result we have lost about half our beloved crop, despite our valiant attempts to frost-fight. “Bugger!” you could fairly say.

Richard in foulest of moods. Mike looking shell shocked. The Proprietor weeping like a girl. Rest of staff, horrified of the sight of grown men cry are looking anywhere but.  Oh dear.

1 November 2008

New Staff

Bob McSkimming contemplating square roots

Our friend Daryl has left us to go back to the trucks at Fulton Hogan. Thanks Dazza and hooroo.

His place has been taken by Bob McSkimming, Dunedin man and ex-accountant. We are somewhat overawed by Bob’s qualifications  and are ready to admit he’s the closest thing we have to a brain on the place.

As a result there are some long pauses at smoke while we all try to think of something intelligent to say to Bob. After a particularly painful silence yesterday, the Proprietor-smart-arsed as usual – blurted out “Okay  Bob, what’s the square root of 5,7618.05?”

To our astonishment Bob know the answer. None of us, however, can  remember what is was.

21 October 2008

Goat

How about a portrait of goat and goaty friend?

21 October 2008

Dog

Complaints have been heard that the blog has been a bit quiet lately.

Okay - how about Portrait of a Dog. Beautiful, Non?

20 October 2008

Cock and Friend

Our new cock Sportif arrived with a lady friend – now part of his extensive ménage. These particular chooks lay green eggs – new to us, but as it happens rather delicious and lower in cholesterol.  Take a look.

16 October 2008

School Run

Our truck is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Here Georgia looks pleased to be off to kindy in the old girl, but at 4 years needs (for now) a driver.

7 October 2008

Le Poseur Français

Big Boy, our resident cock, has moved on to the Great Coop in the Sky, God rest him. His place has been taken by a splendid, if somewhat Gallic, chap who has made the chook run and indeed the entire farm his own (our chickens live lives of giddy freedom – free range would be an understatement)

He is called “Sportif”, a little nod to French rugby (as in “Le Coq Sportif”). Whether or not he’s into eye-gouging etc, we are not game to try. Anyway… he looks the part.

30 September 2008

Act of Faith

First planted in 1992, our original Gibbston vineyard (“First  Paddock”) has been a consistent producer of completely gorgeous pinot noirs. Now 15 years later we have planted a further 5 acres of pinot there, thus doubling our stake in the Gibbston Valley and First Paddock. F.P. admirers in a lather of excitement – in four or five years the tiny amounts of available First Paddock pinot will be marginally less tiny!

6 October 2008

Perpendiculars

The thing about the business of wine is that it so regularly manages to blend professional duties and outrageous pleasure with effortless grace. Last weekend Dean, Mark and Richard held a vertical tasting of our top Pinots from 2001 – 2007, mainly to see how they were all holding up.

Twelve wines and seven vintages.

Conclusions: 

• All wines cellaring and holding up well.
• All wines critically good that age well.

Picks:

• 2002 Last Chance Pinot Noir
• 2005 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir
• 2006 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir
• 2006 First Paddock Pinot Noir
• 2007 First Paddock Pinot Noir

All up, the boys well pleased with themselves, and good time had by all!

3 October 2008

Exit Rockstars

We say farewell to our two rams Mel Gibbston and Jimmy Baahns, who gave honourable service for two seasons, in spite of the ’07 fiasco (See last year's blog). And no – they are not going where you think, but are off to lighter duties at another South Suffolk flock – total 8 ewes. No chance of a hernia there.

Pictured: Here are the boys on their last day at Redbank.

17 September 2008

New Chums

Billy is keen to introduce his new friend Hamish. On Hamish’s first day in Goat Paddock. Hamish has settled in well from the beginning and now he and Billy are inseparable.		Hamish is a South African Boer Goat. His somewhat bland visage hides a razor-sharp intelligence. They say. He came temporarily labelled – see his left ear – and is now clearly part of the 2PAD team.

And let us dispel those Brokeback Goat rumours right away. Hamish is more of, shall we say, a fence sitter.

3 September 2008

Spring Sprung

A touch of warmth in the air. Staff seen in shirtsleeves again on occasion – not a pretty sight, but usually means a change in season. Not a severe winter this year, and all tasks, pruning etc, accomplished and most of us have taken holidays in warmer climes. Apart from the Proprietor, who works like a dog. Barks too.

The old chap has been lately troubled by Billy the goat’s solitude up there in the pylon paddock. Accordingly action has been taken and we have entered negotiations to purchase another of his kind. Everyone needs a friend. We had thought, erroneously, that the sheep and he would get on. Chalk and cheese, alas, so – watch this space.

15 August 2008

Distinguished Laurels

Those who follow the brand know that we do not enter our wine into competitions. We do however love a good review, and we are BASKING in this one.

In the July 2008 Decanter Magazine (U.K.) our Two Paddocks, First Paddocks Pinot Noir 2006 is listed under New World Greats to Lay Down. -- 40 superstars to add flair to your cellar.

On this list, we are one of only three N.Z. wines to be listed. The only other Pinot is Neudorf Pinot 2005 (salutate Tim and Judy Finn).

Our listing reads as follows, by Serena Sutcliffe M.W., Head of Sotheby’s international wine department.

“Great wine to satisfy the most ardent of Pinot fusspots (count me in), this rarely produced wine is special and has a few splendid drinking years ahead.”

Superstar indeed. The Proprietor is positively gloating. Good God!

27 July 2008

Winter

It is winter in the vineyard, and things are quiet. The dogs move only reluctantly from the fireplace. The evening draws in early; the pigs’ dream of balmy Pacific Islands.

It is pruning time. Not our absolutely favourite job – in truth dull and repetitive. Where is the Proprietor to be found at this time of grindingly hard work? No surprise – the old slacker is predictably elsewhere doing what he likes to call “work”.

Still – it does make for a calm atmosphere around the vineyard – we can safely ignore his occasional smoke signals from abroad, knowing he’s up to his ears somewhere trying desperately to remember his lines.

We are reliably informed that two films he appears in will be seen in the Toronto Film Festival. “Skin” and “Dean Spanley”. Hurrah!

11 – 19 June 2008

Mark in Australia

Mark Field's recent sales jaunt to Australia

In June Mark skipped across the divide to Australia on the annual COPNL Trans Tasman Showcase. This started in Melbourne with 400 people attending the Regional tasting at The Prince Winestore in South Melbourne. Mark was chaperoned around a number of leading Melbourne restaurants and nightspots by Danae Lakai our gorgeous Negociants rep in Melbourne. These included The Melbourne Wine Room, the crazy Cookie, Seamstress (run by a Dunedinite, Jason Chan), the elegant Grossi Florentino and Seagrass.

Next port was a balmy Brisbane where the Central Otago Roadshow was received enthusiastically by a couple of hundred eager Queenslanders. Two Paddocks can now be found at Cru Bar & Deli, Stewart & Co; and The Emporium Wine Store.

With little sleep and a plane running late, the Roadshow then hit Sydney with less than an hour to spare! Again the crowds were batting the door down to get in! Somewhat exhausted, the next day Mark was again out pounding the pavement with Jason Osbourne from Negociants visiting fine wine retailers including Vauclause Cellars, Porters, and Wine Culture (Roseville) and the delightful Yumi at Azuma Restaurant.

Rumour has it that Mark then escaped back to Melbourne where against the Proprietor’s advice was out all night….

NB: The Proprietor will take disciplinary measures at the earliest opportunity!

24 June 2008

Rock Star Sex Shock

Jimmy Baahns (Jimmy “the ladies love it” Baahns), one of our South Suffolk rams, who is currently … servicing our ewes at Alex Paddocks has suffered a small but significant setback this last month. It was noticed that Jimmy’s … um … member seemed to have an unusual silhouette when Jimmy was faced with willing and available girlfriends. Much consternation and calling for veterinary advice, and the misshapen Jimmy … gear came in for close inspection.

It seems that in the enthusiasm of fulfilling his functions, Jimmy, perhaps a tad over stimulated, has had the misfortune to develop a hernia on his primary piece of equipment.

Amazingly, however, this does not seem to have slowed Jimmy down one iota, and he is seen hard at it day and night. Perhaps the competition of his cobber Mel Gibbston has galvanized him into some kind of frenzy.

All staff, while wincing at the very idea, lift their Two Paddocks hats to our boy Jimmy.

RESPECT!

Note: Do NOT try this at home

2nd Note: We hear the previous incumbent in Jimmy's role, Brian Brown, is having a good laugh at Jimmy’s plight.

10 June 2008

Winter Fashion 2008

Richard and Mike, who follow trends in Paris and New York closely, are both sporting this seasons BEARD. Suits you sir!*

Fashionistas will also note that red is favoured this year in our trend-setting vineyard.

*N.B. Both Mike and Richard have both noted in these energy saving times, that a good beard will make considerable savings in home heating bills.
It’s a win-win.

9 June 2008

Robert Mondavi Tribute

Robert Mondavi died in May aged 94, A quote from him.

“If wine were a prescription we would prescribe two glasses with each meal  because: it enhances food, it reduces stress, it encourages friendship and it kindles romance. In moderation, it helps digestion, it protects the heart, it improves health, and it improves our disposition. However, if abused it is unsafe, potentially dangerous and decidedly uncivilized.”

Wise words from a civilized man. Te salutate!

5 June 2008

Winter Holiday

Our South-Suffolk ewes are on their winter break – they travel to Alex Paddocks and graze the vineyard with considerable contentment. Having already had some quality time with our rams, Mel Gibbston and Jimmy Baahns, this holiday is also “a time of wonder” and in spring we expect a new batch of lambs.

Elsewhere, as far from the sheep he hates as possible, Billy has the hill block to himself
and comes down to say hello whenever spotted. Another happy camper.

30 May 2008

Three Five Star Wines

For those unfamiliar with the ethos of Two Paddocks (admittedly a small percentage of the world's population) we do not enter our wine into competition. We do, however, love hot reviews. This week from Neal Martin’s Wine Advocate column on www.eRobertParker.com:

90 points: Two Paddocks pinot Noir 2006

91 points: Two Paddocks First Paddock Pinot Noir 2006

This follows an equally splendid result from Wine Spectator (May 2008)

 91 points: Two Paddocks First Paddock Pinot Noir 2006

Three five star wines! If we had any modesty at all we’d be blushing right now. Fat chance. Modesty? We can hardly spell it! But congratulations from Proprietor and all T.P. fans for these 5-star wines rated by these august organs.

We always know they’re the best Pinots you can buy, but occasionally an objective assessment helps to confirm.

Wait a minute — I think I saw Richard blush. No — probably just broke into a fast walk.

Better now.

28 April 2008

Heads Down

Ladies and Gentleman; we present Mr Jeffery Williams arse up in the saffron patch. An unappetising sight we grant you, but cooks everywhere will be salivating at the idea of all that Redbank saffron.

Elsewhere, a showbiz type (in the checked shirt) shows off the crocuses from whence cometh this delicious culinary additive.

25 April, 2008

Clyde Rugby A Bit Ordinary

Our 2 I.C Mike “Whacker” Wing is captain of the Clyde Rugby team this year. A team that also features on the wing our own Darryle Tamati. At 48 we calculate Darryle is New Zealand’s oldest winger.

And still a flyer! Sadly so far this year no victories. We blame the ORFU and global warming.

24 April 2008

The Internationale

Grapes in from Alex and Redbank and Dean over excited by quality of fruit. Our pickers this year represent Vanuatu, Aotearoa, Czech Republic, France and South Africa.

We’re often vaguely amazed at how people from all over the world end up in obscure paddocks. Last year we had pickers from Brazil, USA, Holland, Germany, Australia, Isreal and Chile.

23 April 2008

Vintage Update

After last year's very very small vintage (apply now – stocks will be EXTREMELY limited) 2008 looking much more fulsome. As of today both Redbank and Alex are picked and Gibbston First Paddock next week.

Here the Proprietor casts an expert eye over some of this year's Pinot. His other eye is almost entirely ignorant, however.

22 April 2008

Spectacular Foolishness

Somewhat in the vein of the Jancis Robinson interview (see Loose Lips, April 12) the Proprietor found himself cornered in New York City, and spilt more beans to The Wine Spectator. The result, painful to anyone who prefers English to make sense (or at least more or less ordered in sentences, can be seen and heard >>here<<.

19 April 2008

More Lunch

Another Morse message, this time from the Far East.

“Excellent lunch at the Peninsula courtesy of Lillian Haynes, Hong Kong distributor of Two Paddocks. STOP.

Spoke. STOP.

Seems April May T.P. pinot available $HK160 per glass in Peninsula. STOP.

Absolute bargain. STOP.

Present the crème of HK restaurant and club world. STOP.

Kevin Tsang – Peninsula Hotel; Paolo Fassina – Cinecitta; Colin Smith – Wooloomooloo Group; Marc David Nathan – Kee Club; Enrico Cerrato – Divino Group; Gregory Deeb – Crown Wine Cellars; Richard So – Aedes; Nicholas Haddon – G Bar; Vivo – Hayden Winch; Bill Ahern & Sue Salinkow – IWFS. STOP.

Must fly. STOP.

Developing R.S.I. in right wrist from this damn Morse code machine. STOP.

Must learn how to use fax. STOP.

The Proprietor”

April 12 2008

Loose Lips, etc.

Prolonged Morse code message from the Proprietor, interpreted by Mark, who served with distinction in the Signals Corps in Her Majesty’s Cadet Force (a fearsome khaki-clad para-military organization once fielded by all New Zealand Secondary Schools).

“Splendid lunch at (the legendary wine buff) Jancis Robinson’s house in Hampstead. STOP.

Cooked brilliantly by husband Nick. STOP.

Tuna – rare – and spuds from Jersey. STOP.

Also present the excellent Bob Campbell M.W. STOP.

Got fairly rat arsed on excellent Riesling, several German Pinots, Burgundies and some other German whites with very long names. STOP.

Interviewed by Jancis at my most vulnerable. STOP.

Resulting half drunk video can be seen on Jancis’ spiffing site www.jancisrobinson.com. STOP.

Oh dear. STOP.

Hope got away with it. STOP.

Let me know. STOP.

The Proprietor.”

Judge for yourself….

22 April 2008

The Return of the Last Chance

Dean is reasonably confident that after an absence of two years, Alex Paddocks fruit will be of such excellence that we can this year make another single vineyard Pinot from there – The Last Chance.

Here it is in one of our splendid oak fermentation tanks and here also is Dean.

14 April, 2008

Living It Large

Is there a Weightwatchers for piggies? Here at H.Q. we are shifty and elusive when passers-by make mention of the rotund nature of our potbelly pigs, Peggy and Polly. The girls have rather a good time of it at this time of the year, cleaning up fruit windfalls, acorns etc. (yum). But probably too good a time of it.

Maybe time for a pig dietitician. Or a pig trainer. Or a sign-up at a pig gym. Motivation may be a problem. When the Proprietor passes by and suggests a bit of a walk, the pigs roll their eyes, and sigh and turn away.

Having had a similar response from his children for years, his feelings are hardly even hurt.

7 April 2008

Harvest Begins

To our esteemed Brian Croot the honour of picking this year’s first grapes – from the Riesling Paddock. All looking fab. Further report at end of harvest (early May, all things being equal.)

6 March 2008

Rugby Heaven

Alright, close your eyes and answer this question. No peeking. What rugby side currently sports, among others, the following stars?

George Gregan (Aus), Andrew Mehrtens, Anton Oliver, Orene Ai’i (N.Z), Victor Matfield (S.A.), Dan Luger (Eng)

Give up? Answer : Toulon.

29 March 2008

Tree Crops

Today a visit from the N.Z. Tree Crops Conference, who enjoy our trees almost as much as we do. Tree hugging is much enjoyed at H.Q. ... Quietly.

27 March 2008

Spud City: N.Z. Gothic

While it is true that Man Cannot Live on Bread Alone, a chap can pretty much live on potatoes only. Indeed the Irish have repeatedly, over the centuries, shown this to be so.

Here at Two Paddocks we revere the humble Potato. Particularly the humble Organic Potato.
Today the boys lifted the last of this year's crop, and a bumper one at that.

Pictured left to right: --Nathan Corlett --Brian Croot --Darryle Tamati --James Taylor        Potato types left to right: --Desiree --Jersey Bennie --Makoikoi --Urenika --Moe Moe

13 April 2008

How to Wear a Hat

Here at H.Q. we are always happy to help. As part of our constant effort to enlighten and inspire, we tender the following advice on How to Wear a Hat.

1. Purchase a fashionable and practical piece of headgear, i.e. a hat.
2. Go outside.
3. Turn hat around in the light. You will notice it usually has a hollow bit approximately half the size of your head.
4. Raise hat above head.
5. Lower the hollow bit, gently but firmly onto the top of said head.
6. Admire result, and wait for flattering attention.

The Proprietor models vintage Two Paddocks Hat after following the above instructions, while modestly accepting flattering comments from vino aficionado, and old Two Paddocks friend, Geraldo Nucifora. Pigeon Island, Lake Wakatipu, 2008.

18 March 2008

St Patrick’s Day

The Proprietor, abroad again, found himself in New York City this week, and with a moment or two to reflect on things. Not things of substance, you understand. That would be well beyond his meagre powers.

Stuck on 5th Avenue, after visiting the august offices of the WINE SPECTATOR and forced to contemplate the St Patrick’s Day Parade, the following random questions came to mind.

1. Why, in America, is screaming the ultimate sign of approval?
2. Who comes up with the extraordinarily baroque and bizarre designs for uniforms worn by marching bands?
3. Can it really be true that there are so many Irish people in New York?
4. How is it that so many people of Irish extraction ended up in the wine business? (Lynch, Barton, Hennessy, the Proprietor etc.)
5. Why is it, given that the staple crop in Ireland for 500 years was the potato, the Irish never invented, let alone made, vodka?
6. Is marching harmless? (Probably depends on where you choose to march)
7. Which of the Fates decided, seemingly randomly, to bring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel and Sam Neill together without any foreknowledge, in the same room at the same time (Saturday night) for the first time since the screening of The Piano at Cannes in 1994? Or is it just A Small World After All?
8. How cool an actor is Emily Mortimer?
9. Is New York City completely and utterly amazing? (of course)

Any help on these baffling questions gratefully received.

25 February 2008

Annual Two Paddocks Awards

Yes, it’s the time of year when our generosity overflows, the time when we almost drown in the milk of human kindness. Actually that’s not entirely true – this is a random process that can happen at any time of the year. Random: like the Proprietor’s brain.

We send off cases of Two Paddocks to New Zealanders in any field that have given the Proprietor some pleasure or pride recently.

This year – so far – the WINNERS ARE:

• Kora: A brilliant N.Z. band. Highly recommended!
• Bic Runga: Wonderful chanteuse and multi-TP winner.
• Richie McCaw: A.B.s captain. Outstanding.
• Yu Takayama: Top N.Z. Ballet dancer. We also sponsor her from Two Paddocks.
• Max Wild: Architect to the Stars.
• Bill Hammond: Great N.Z. painter. This year he was kind enough to paint one of his famous birdmen on the Proprietors Les Paul guitar!
• The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra: Sublime.

Congrats to all winners. Don’t drink it all at once! We know it’s tempting!

15 February 2008

Vineyard Manager's House Completed

Richard and Cherie have moved into Chateau Banque Rouge (see photos) with some satisfaction. Beautiful job by Max Wilde (architect to the stars) and well crafted by Breens (builders to the stars). House features heated kennel for company dog, which is duly ignored in favour of kids’ beds. [Note to Proprietor: Need to call Dog Whisperer? Kid Whisperer?]

8 February 2008

Redbank and Last Chance Fully Organic

Reports of rioting and celebration as far as Rio de Janeiro this week with the news, as of 8th February 2008, that our vineyards at Alex and Earnscleugh are both fully organic – certified to Bio-Gro N Z Organic Standard. So it’s official.

Mark plans a float for Mardi gras next year to mark this historic turn of events – the question is Rio, Sydney, Alexandra … mmm?

6 February 2008

Hideous Beast Stalks Our Animals

Waitangi Day celebrations at Redbank marked by startling disturbances in the animal department. Stampedes and noisy alarums – whinnying, squeals, baahing: all of this sounded like terror had struck the fold.

However it seems a visit by Hugh Jackman, in full WOLVERINE mode, had our flock not in fear but instead in a lather. Hugh graciously stood up to the stampede looking for autographs. The Suffolk sheep in particular have been Wolverine fans – funny old world! Many chickens happily back to the chookrun with Hugh’s signature under their wing, what a gent!

3 February 2008

And Still More Culture

“Wine makes a man more pleased with himself. I do not say it makes him more pleasing to others.”

Another brainy quote – this time from that wise, if not always sober, philosopher Dr Johnson. We, of course, concur.

We quote this in turn from a book we recommend wholeheartly: How to Drink a glass of Wine by John Saker (Awa Press). John spoke elegantly and informatively at our Pinot lunch last month, and our thanks for that. Good book, John, and good speech. (See the entry for 27 January 08 below – that’s John sounding off in the far corner.)

2 February 2008

More Culture

The Proprietor, back from points foreign, looking momentarily … well… cultured!  This will pass. He reports having seen The National Theatre of Scotland The Black Watch (“great”) Rufus Wainwright (“absolutely superb”) La Clique Cabaret (“a gas”) Brian Wilson (“THE icon”) Also happy to report that Two Paddocks readily found in Sydney now – he tracked it to Kemeny’s, Five Way Cellars, and Australia’s top Japanese restaurant – Azuma.

29 January 2008

Cultured Two Paddocks

“Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so I may wet my mind and say something clever.”
     —Aristophanes

Why do we quote the above? Well, firstly we find it amusing. And secondly we want to give the impression that here at H.Q. we are erudite, widely read, scholarly types. Would it were so!

Here’s another one, from The Bacchae:

“To rich and poor alike he (Dionysus) granted the delight of wine, that makes all pain to cease.”
     —Euripides

Spookily the Proprietor once appeared in this play, as Pentheus, unfortunately – not the above mentioned Dionysus. Small world! Another wisely forgotten performance…

Alright, just to reinforce how brainy we are, here’s one more:

“Wine was given (to man) as a balm, and in order to implant modesty in the soul, and health and strength in the body.”
     —Plato

Are we impressed yet?

28 January 2008

Happy Days

More proof, if any were needed, that owners tend to LOOK LIKE THEIR PETS.
(See 2 Apr 07) Or is it the other way around? Whatever, the Proprietor and the Company Dog have been practicing synchronizing their doggy grins, with pleasing results.

With thanks to Bob Campbell M.W. for photo.

23\7 January 2008

Central Otago Pinot Celebration

Another successful event, and T.P. playing its part as ever. Well done Mark.

On the Saturday we hosted a lunch for 26 at Redbank with an excellent array of visitors from Australia, U.S. etc. Even Ireland! Food splendid, courtesy of “Feast” in Cromwell. Well done Natasha and Fish. Top Day.

23 January 2008

R.I.P. Good People

R.I.P.   Ed Hillary. Great man. Good bloke.

R.I.P.   Hone Tuwhare. Great poet. Good bloke

R.I.P.   George Chance. Optician, soldier, fisherman, photographer, conservationist. Good bloke.

R.I.P.   Kath Hay. Great mum. Good sort.

R.I.P.   Heath Ledger.  Top actor. Good  bloke.

Very sad month.

12 January 2008

Sightings of the Proprietor Back at Work

A Day’s Pick-up on the Red Meat Commercials

Rumours of a new commercial involving the Proprietor and a chicken have been confirmed by the former; indeed he says that the chickens (there were more than one) were as good and professional actors as he’s ever worked with. Both actor and chicken free-range and G.M. free, and on similar fees – although you might need to check that with the chickens agents. At least one of these chickens, it seems, has headed to L.A. and is up for a film with George and Nicole.

10 January 2008

Birthday Bash

Photographs just in of a party held late last year at Redbank, enjoyed by staff and livestock alike, to mark the (absent) Proprietor's birthday.

Elsewhere, Proprietor, Bryan Brown and friends enjoyed knees-up in Sydney. How old they are remains a mystery, although Sam looks at least 40. Brian – about 70, but then he’s had a much tougher life and smoked while at school.

1 January 2008

A New Year Dawns

Here at H.Q. a new year dawns, and Management and Staff brace themselves as best they can for the challenges ahead. But first it might be timely to learn from the past year, and hope that lessons have been learnt.

Let us hope for no repeats of:

The Great Ram Fiasco  (See 3 May 2007) -- An update:

• Manky ram interlopers: 27 lambs
• Thoroughbred rams (Mel and Jimmy) 7 lambs
• Result: an overwhelming defeat for breeding and refinement.

The Car-eating Dog Affair  (See 6 Jan 2007) -- The Dog in question is still silent on her crimes, but the car, now Cooper-intacta again, is parked more discretely away from the predations of canine omnivores.

The Sad Pig Breeding Anticlimax (See 4 Sept 2007) -- Peggy and Polly’s long pregnancies unfortunately have, after a time of wonder, turned out to be just phantoms. They were it seems, simply (let’s be blunt here) just bloody fat. Boris, their boyfriend from down the road, despite weeks of red hot lurve-action in the bottom paddock has sired absolutely zero piglets. All are baffled – it’s not as if our girls are unattractive (see winsome shot of Peggy 2 April 2007). Boris may be, well, only half the pig he seems….

On the upside:

Vintage -- This last year we released our 2006’s – Another remarkable vintage and one we were delighted with. Angry scenes however as the Proprietor selfishly attempted to put it all in his own cellar. Physical restraint necessary.

2007’s in the barrel as we speak and looking excellent – Proprietor spotted lurking around winery with enormous pipette…

International Success -- Here at T.P. we never enter our wine into competitions. This last year however we were flattered to be asked to the Stoniers International Pinot Event in Sydney, and were delighted with how well we showed beside some of the worlds very best Pinots. Modesty forfends, etc…

Proprietor Otherwise Occupied -- Things tick along absolutely fine at H.Q. and around the vineyards when the Boss is away. Last year, 2007, he was away for about 9 months on 5 different movies; it is to be hoped that various strikes do not keep him too much at home and pretending to run things.

Incidentally he worked twice last year with the great Peter O’Toole, a source of a thousand grand stories about actors, movies and so on. The Proprietor has stored these in the back of his undertaxed brain, and is happy to pass on the less salacious of these for a very large fee.