NEW ZEALAND, NEW DIMENSION
Our May tasting at The Cookery at York College brought a vibrant, high‑energy evening led by Preet Sahota, returning for his third visit to the York Section. Known for his hugely popular South African tastings, Preet shifted focus this month to New Zealand, exploring how bottle age can reveal new depth and character in some of the country’s most recognisable varieties.
Across six wines — from a bright Méthode Cap Classique opener to layered, bottle‑mature whites and expressive reds — Preet combined insight, warmth and storytelling drawn from his 19‑year wine journey. Members responded with exceptional enthusiasm, placing 225 bottle orders on the night.
We also interspersed the tasting with a superb four‑course New Zealand‑themed dinner, prepared and served by the talented students at The Cookery. Their calm service, confident pouring and beautifully executed dishes were widely praised, and they remain a real credit to the college.
The evening also featured a preview of One Movement, Preet’s new South African wine project celebrating resilience, ambition and the lesser‑known corners of Stellenbosch. Four wines — Viura, Grenache Gris, Tannat and Petit Verdot — showcased the spirit of discovery at the heart of the brand.
🍾 Schenkfontein Truida Méthode Cap Classique 2023
South Africa — Swartland | 100% Chenin Blanc | 12% A bright, fine‑beaded MCC with citrus blossom, green apple and a touch of brioche. Crisp, clean and refreshing with a mineral snap — a poised, elegant sparkler at an exceptional price. ✨
🍋 Giesen Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2020
New Zealand — Marlborough | 100% Sauvignon Blanc | 13.5% Organic and vegan‑friendly, showing vibrant citrus, good length and surprising complexity. A versatile food‑pairer — and one of Preet’s standout discoveries of the year. 🌿
🍐 Ceres Swansong Pinot Gris 2019
New Zealand — Central Otago | 100% Pinot Gris | 14.5% A true expression of its high‑altitude single vineyard: stone fruit, pear, melon and gentle spice wrapped in rich texture. Perfect with pork, cured meats or mushrooms. 🌄
🍒 Smith & Co Pinot Noir 2021
New Zealand — Waipara & Central Otago | 100% Pinot Noir | 13.5% Cool‑climate fruit from special South Island sites gives vibrant red fruit, refined structure and an approachable, expressive style. A classic New Zealand Pinot with charm. 🍷
🌫️ Seifried Aotea Cabernet Franc 2021
New Zealand — Nelson | 100% Cabernet Franc | 13.5% From the alluvial soils of Brightwater, this flagship wine offers opulent berry fruit, blackcurrant, liquorice and oak‑polished structure. Age‑worthy and beautifully crafted. 🌱
🍯 Villa Maria Noble Late Harvest Riesling 2021
New Zealand — Marlborough | 100% Riesling | 10.5% A concentrated botrytised Riesling with candied citrus, apricot, ginger spice and a lively marmalade finish. Delicious now, with years of graceful development ahead. ✨
MARGIN TASTING NOTES...
Looking Ahead…
Our next gathering takes place on Wednesday 10th June 2026 at The Bar Convent, beginning at 6.30pm in their beautiful hidden garden oasis.
Inspired by the Giro d’Italia, this tasting follows a six‑wine journey across Italy with Ben and Emma Robson of Bat and Bottle Independent Wine Merchants. Their Oakham‑based business champions small growers and honest winemaking, and Ben’s role as a Decanter World Wine Awards judge brings added depth to the evening.
The tasting moves from the bright lift of Canevese Spumante, through the textured calm of Umbria’s Grechetto and the mineral clarity of Greco di Tufo, before heading north to the quieter elegance of Sizzano and the richer curves of Valpolicella. We finish with Recioto di Soave, a golden, traditional dessert wine that brings the journey to a celebratory close.
With only 52 places available, early applications are strongly encouraged. Bookings close on Friday 29th May 2026, and invitations will be on their way very soon.
