If you love pinot noir and testing your palate in blind tastings, SIPNOT (the Stonier International Pinot Noir Tasting), taking place on October 15, is a must-attend event.
Stonier was ahead of the curve when they started SIPNOT in 2000, at a time when pinot noir was still a ‘lesser known’ variety in Australia. Today, the popularity of pinot has grown exponentially, and it boasts the third largest red wine sales after shiraz and cabernet sauvignon – the substantial presence of pinot noir on the shelves of Australian wine shops certainly highlights this.
Pinot noir has become a favourite for Australian drinkers and, 22 events later, SIPNOT is one of the country’s most esteemed celebrations of the variety. Tasting a selection of some of the world’s best pinot noirs is always a delight, but doing so alongside some of Australia’s top wine critics, sommeliers and winemakers elevates the experience to another level of interest and enjoyment. Opportunities like this are rare to say the least.
“It's always a fascinating night that focuses on the character of pinot noir, unearthing its different incarnations rather than focusing on which wine is best,” says Stonier winemaker Mike Symons.
Immerse yourself in this ethereal red wine, engaging in lively discussions and debates throughout the evening. A line-up of 12 carefully chosen pinots (see the full list below) from France, Australia, the US and New Zealand will be poured blind, and an experienced taster will be assigned as your ‘table captain’ to encourage conversation. Led by a panel that includes James Halliday AM, Mike Symons, the Lucas Group’s Philip Rich and Robert Oatley’s Aaron Brasher, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds in wine, and are sure to walk away having learnt something new.
If you’re a drinks professional or a wine lover with a penchant for pinot, you won’t want to miss this. Due to the rarity of the included wines and the limited available seats, you'll need to book quickly to avoid disappointment.
On pour at SIPNOT 2018
2015 Bergström Silice Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2015 Bouchard Père et Fils Les Rugiens, Pommard, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2016 Charteris Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
2016 Curly Flat Pinot Noir, Macedon, Victoria, Australia
2016 Dirty Three Holgates Road (Dirt 3), Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
2016 Dry River Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand
2016 Garagiste Terre de Feu, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
2015 J. Christopher Sandra Adele Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
2015 Olivier Bernstein Clos de la Roche, Morey St Denis, Grand Cru, Burgundy, France
2015 S.C. Guillard Les Corbeaux, Gevrey Chambertin, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2016 Stonier Merron’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
2015 Sylvain Cathiard Aux Thorey, Nuits Saint Georges, Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
When: Monday, October 15, 6pm to 9.30pm
Where: Myer Mural Hall, 314/336 Bourke Street, Melbourne
How much: $195
Book now.
