SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 1PM - 3.30PM
Since acquiring their initial 6-hectare parcel of vines in Roys Hill in Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay in 1997, Bilancia (so-called as both proprietors Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson are both Librans), have quietly established themselves as one of the region's premium producers, with some exceptional Syrah and Pinot Gris. NEAL MARTIN, Wine Advocate
It is preposterous that New Zealand's finest red may not be a pinot; inconceivable that it could eclipse every Euro, Aussie and everywhere-else red so far this year. Such are the contradictions of La Collina. Hawke's Bay syrah with pepper, graphite, coal, flint, iron filings and the textural structure of dreams. TYSON STELZER
Outside of the Northern Rhône, and perhaps Chile, it is hard to think of a place that delivers syrah with this much allure. NICK STOCK, JamesSuckling.com
Three years ago we started planning a lunch with one of New Zealand's most famous producers, Bilancia from Hawke's Bay. At the time Covid was nowhere to be seen but we all know what happened then!
We are delighted to finally be able to say we are hosting Warren Gibson Lorraine Lenehy from Bilancia for a light lunch and two brackets of their exceptional wines.
Obviously, Bilancia are most well-known for the La Collina Syrah, a wine often put forward by critics as Australasia's greatest version of the variety. At the centre of this lunch is a retrosepctive bracket of the La Collina and also including a pre-release peek of the 2021.
In addition, we will see a bracket of Warren's brilliant Chardonnays. The variety is another passion for the Gibson and the most recent bottling have added a few single-vineyard bottling which build upon his amazingly great value estate wine.
The lunch should be quite special but we only have a limited number of seats so please book quickly if you would like to secure you place.
