As part of the Central Otago Spring Release event, the four wine writers present—Jane Skilton MW, John Saker, Dave Brookes and myself—were treated to a masterclass with four of the region’s pre-eminent winemakers.

Blair Walter of Felton Road, Rudi Bauer of Quartz Reef, Claire Mulholland of Burn Cottage and Sarah-Kate Dineen of Maude Wines each presented two vintages of one of the their top pinot noirs, spaced 10 years apart to provide the context for conversation about where the region came from, how it has changed/matured and where it is going.

Our New World specialist, Roger Jones, continues his tales from New Zealand. This time, he delves into the story of Central Otago, an area first brought to the UK's attention by the bold 'New World' Pinot Noir some 20 years ago. Today, the region not only produces Pinot Noir with poise and fresh, focused elegance but also magical white wines. On his recent visit to the region he met up with the key players, tasted some of the exciting new white wines and attended an outstanding celebration of wine and food called Roam.