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15th Annual Stonier International Pinot Noir Tasting 2012

Announcement posted by Fine Wine Partners 16 Aug 2012

August 2012: Leading Mornington Peninsula winery Stonier has held its 15th annual benchmark international pinot noir tasting (SIPNOT) at the National Gallery of Victoria.

The event which has been hosted thirteen times in Australia and twice in the UK, brings together pinot noir enthusiasts; wine media, retailers, sommeliers and consumers to taste a line-up of twelve great wines from around the world. Attendees are given a list of wine names, but the order of service is not revealed until the end of the evening.

For Stonier winemaker Mike Symons the simplicity of SIPNOT is one of its strengths. “We select twelve wines from around the world to explore the regionality and diversity of pinot, from ethereal and elegant to muscular and powerful. Resulting discussion is always eye-opening and thought provoking. Australia has come a long way but there’s always more to understand and learn about this variety.”

For the first time this year the line-up included a wine from Germany a country garnering international recognition for its pinot noir. The twelve wines tasted at SIPNOT were Weingut Rudolf Furst ’09, Franken, Germany, Meo Camuzet les Chaumes, Vosne Romanee ’09, Hudelot-Noellat Clos de Vougeot ’09, Geantet-Pansiot Le Poissenot, Gevrey Chambertin ’09, and Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard ’09, Burgundy, France. From Martinborough NZ; Ata Rangi’10 and Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard ’10,and from California, USA; Littorai Savoy Vineyard ’09. Australian wines were Tamar Valley; Josef Chromy’10, Yarra Valley; Giant Steps Gladysdale Vineyard ’10 and Yering Station Reserve’10 and from the Mornington Peninsula; Stonier Reserve’10.

SIPNOT 2012 panel included renowned author James Halliday AM, Sommeliers Australia President Ben Edwards, Stonier winemaker Mike Symons and Tapanappa winemaker Brian Croser AO.

Table captains included wine media Andrew Caillard MW, Nick Bullied MW, Ken Gargett, Jeni Port and Philip Rich and sommeliers Tom Hogan and Franck Moreau MS.

SIPNOT founder Brian Stonier attended recently having celebrated his 80th birthday. He believes this event has helped build the popularity of pinot noir in Australia, acknowledging the many leading wine identities who have participated over the years.

Once again the room was divided on personal favourites, even the panel did not come to a consensus. There was however agreement on two things - the convergence of high quality pinot noir from around the world and the importance of style in captivating different pinot noir drinkers.

“The dichotomy between people’s views on what makes great pinot was clear in the tasting. I loved the array of styles. I loved the night…you can’t have a bad night when you spend it with twelve beautiful pinot noirs.” said Master of Ceremonies Ben Edwards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Fiona MacDonald PR Manager, Fine Wine Partners

P: +61 411 519 055 E: fiona.macdonald@finewinepartners.com.au

Mike Symons, Winemaker, Stonier

P: +61 417 886 833 E: mike.symons@stonier.com.au

STONIER - BACKGROUND

One of the first wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, Stonier was established in 1978 by the Stonier family, who were pioneers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this cool coastal region. Over 30 years later, the Stonier name is recognised as a world class producer of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Exploring the enigma of Pinot Noir and the diversity of the Mornington Peninsula are just two of the reasons that brought winemaker Michael Symons to Stonier. With a deep understanding of terroir and a compelling blend of viticultural and winemaking knowledge Mike aims to continue the evolutionary path of Stonier’s beautifully expressive wines.