Christmas Feast

Eyvind Hellstrøm, chef at Restaurant Bagatelle in Oslo, Norway's only 2-star Michelin rated restaurant, recently contributed recipes for a sumptuous Christmas menu to the culinary section of one of Norway's main newspapers.

Even without a grasp of the Norwegian language, the pictures of chef Hellstrøm selecting the ingredients and photographs of the various dishes tell the story well. If they aren't quite enough to get your mouth-watering, his recommendation of our Leah Pinot Noir to accompany the duck dish might just do the trick.

Merry Christmas and Bon Appétit.

Our Pinot in Paris

I was delighted to receive an email recently from Michael Berger who spent time with us in New Zealand. Michael visited the house in Waterfall Bay and was surprised and pleased to see the book "King" on a table, written by his brother John Berger - an author, novelist, painter and art-critic; a truly amazing man whose work I admire.

So, while I was pleased to hear from Michael, I was especially grateful for the photo he sent; that of his brother John enjoying a bottle of Seresin Pinot Noir in Paris for his birthday in November. Hopefully John enjoyed our work as much as I've admired his. Happy Birthday John, and here's to many more. - Michael Seresin

Soulful, Supple Leah

Our 2007 Seresin 'Leah' Pinot Noir has been getting a bit of attention in the wine media lately.

Writing in the Independent Wine Monthly, Emma Jenkins, who hasn't always been entirely positive about Marlborough Pinot Noir, found the Leah a nice surprise: "Named after proprietor Michael Seresin's daughter, it is a soulful example of the variety; finely tuned, fragrant, supple and very satisfying indeed. It has an enticing nose of ripe fruit, lots of pretty spice and something just a touch savoury to pique one's interest. The palate is rich yet restrained, with lovely fruit, and again that touch of savoury depth, plus wonderful balance and decent length. The complete package really. And with a RRP of $37, which doesn't seem unreasonable at all. Seresin are committed to organic and biodynamic production so one's conscience is clear to drink as many bottles of this lovely pinot as is necessary. Should cellar nicely too should you be that way inclined."

In the latest issue of Gourmet Traveller Wine, Huon Hooke & Bob Campbell's Top 100 New Release Wines features the 07 Leah as well. With 5 stars and 93 points the wine is described as moderately intense, very complex and more interesting than other more overtly fruity wines from Marlborough in 2007.

2007 was a very special year for us with our normally low yields taken back even further by a cold flowering, so there's not much of this wine left - with almost 6 months still to wait for the 2008.

Wine and Dine with Gusto

Clive Dougall will be presenting Seresin wines at a Winemaker's Dinner at Petone's Gusto Bistro on 22 December.

We're pleased to be working with Gusto who have certainly made an impact on Wellington's dining scene.

For more information and reservations email Gusto Bistro directly or Phone 04 920 1774.

A Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc

Warren Barton's Christmas Wine Guide is early awaited by readers each year - not just as a signal of the impending festive season, but also as a quick and easy guide to some of the country's most highly regarded wines. We're always interested to see what makes Warren's Top 100 wines for the year. Last year our 2007 Memento Riesling was in the line-up. This year our 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is one of only 10 Sauvignon Blancs in the Guide.

Warren writes, "Seresin has always dared to be a little different, even in its approach to sauvignon blanc. This one is partly fermented using wild yeast, a portion of it in oak casks to provide more weight, texture and complexity. No mistaking where it comes from though."

Shoot-Thinning Semillon

After a morning tea of Ginger Loaf and Venison Meatballs (not together) provided by Brett, we shoot-thinned the two staff rows of Semillon next to the winery and cellar door. After the wet winter and relatively warm growing season so far (touch wood), vine growth is vigourous with plenty of potential bunches. By the look of the caps flowering is imminent, and the next few weeks will tell us whether these potential bunches will set into fruit.

Putting a Face to the Wine

Leah Seresin, her son Finbar and friends Peter, Helen, Callum and Nick stayed at Waterfall Bay over the weekend and spent some time with us at the Home Vineyard before flying out.

For most of us, it was our first chace to meet Leah and finally put a face to the name and wine.

Finbar and Nick had a great time with the lambs, chickens and ducks and met our cow and calf too.

While the adults were tasting wines, Finbar and Nick kept Jemma (the winemaker's dog) busy - throwing her favourite toy countless times for her to fetch.

It was a beutiful summer's day and we enjoyed lunch - mainly from the vege garden, strawberry patch and a local cherry grower - in the courtyard beside cellar door.

It was lovely to meet you all - come back again soon.