Take a Step Back

Often, one enjoys life better if you take a step back and relax, seeing a bigger picture. And so too with wine, as it is all to easy to be over analytical and over critical of something design to give pleasure. First impressions can prevent you giving things a chance...
A new 2010 Sileni Estates 'The Priestess' Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris seemed a little too delicate on initial impressions, but with air time and some warming up from fridge-cold, the subtle flavours of fruit and barrel-ferment came out. It just needed patience and an open attitude on our part.
Then a reductive 2009 Spade Oak Reserve Gisborne Viognier, sealed in screw-cap rather than the usual Vino-Lok. It just seemed ugly and hard. I didn't want to sip it. But with breathing and warming up, as well as some nice cheeses and nibbles that SWMBO put on the table, the wine showed its exotic personality, weight and oily texture. A gorgeous drop indeed.
Final sip on this occasion was a 1999 Ata Rangi 'Arapoff' Syrah in half-bottle. Drawing the cork, the horsey smells signalled red-alert - Brettanomyces! The colour was browning, the nose dense with stale horses. We were a little worried what our JanSki our guest would think. But pouring it out, the spices, warm brown earth and pepper featured above the brett. The palate sweet, and with good acid. Fine tannins, just hinting at dryness. We caught this in time. And a great easy drop with the food again. Glad to have taken a step back anf drink and enjoy these wines, seeing what they really were.