Last Tuesday I went to a New Zealand tasting at Lamont’s. The wines were relative newcomers to the industry. Some people might feel there’s already enough wines available saying something along the lines of, “what can another winery from NZ offer?”

I beg to differ. Where’s there’s passion and of course financial investment (as money makes the world go round) , well there’s always space.

Last Tuesday, Amber Hatton, in charge of sales and marketing was very enthusiastic and engaged with the audience explaining the history behind the label as John Jens and team poured the wines. Soho Wine Co was set up in 2009 by Rachel Carter. The family had been investing in grapes for over 15 years. Rachel’s father used to on-sell the fruit grown. Then in 2009, Rachel decided to set up Soho Wine Co with the view to create a brand that was about celebrating lifestyle, where you’re drinking the wine and who you’re sharing it with. You could say that wine was in her blood and with her goal in mind and her vision, Rachel approached the winemakers from each of the three regions she wanted to focus on; Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Central Otago. Soho is the company’s on premise wine and they also have a white label which is their second tier and retail focused wine.

Starting with Pommery Brut Royale Champagne which was refreshing after a day at work and also helped to cleanse the palate. Amber explained that about the labels and wine names and how Soho was referred to as ‘New Zealand’s first lifestyle wine brand.’

Then we tasted the Stella (named after Stella McCartney) Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($24.50) which offered wonderful flavours characteristic of Marlborough; herbaceous notes, stone fruit coupled with slight texture and a backbone of acidity.

Next was Jagger Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013 ($29.75) which was more subtle with stone fruit, nectarines and a lovely richness. Like the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc there is no mistaking this is from New Zealand. I really enjoy wines with a sense of place where you know where the wine comes from by the flavours and texture in the wine.

Then we had the Havana Pinot Noir from Marlborough 2012 ($35.50). Named after the capital of Cuba, I really enjoyed this wine as well as liking the name – it’s somewhere I’ve always planned on visiting. Lovely, sweet succulent fruit and red fruits waft from the glass rim. On the palate there was a wonderful freshness and layers of fruit. The tannin structure indicated to me that this wine would only improve with age.

Next was McQueen Pinot Noir 2012 from Central Otago ($56.10). Central Otago is the coolest region in New Zealand and home to some wonderful Pinot Noirs that have won numerous accolades. This was no exception having won Gold at the Royal Easter Show and Top 100 at the Sydney Wine Show in the Top 3 Pinot Noirs. Lovely cinnamon spice with sweet berry fruit were noticeable on the nose followed by similar characteristics on the palate with firm tannins. I feel this could age well and I would be interested in seeing how it tastes in 2016.

I couldn’t try the last wine Revolver (Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc) 2012 from Waiheke Island at $43.50 each as I was late for dinner at a friend’s. I’m yet to try this but I am sure it will be a pleasant drink on a cold winter’s evening.

The company produces 10/11 different varitals making 20,000 cases of 12 every year across both labels.

Wonderful tasting learning about this relative newcomer, meeting Amber and the audience. Thank you all.