New Zealand tasting draws a good crowd!

I was again asked to help out at my local store..."we are tasting NZ, Bobby". Group of around 24/26 with a few newbies amongst a lively chatty group.
Cost was $35 and cold HDO were served.

`07 Main Divide Riesling (Canterbury).

Nice fresh aroma, sweet citrus fruits. Good spice on the finish but too much RS for me. Well liked in the room.

`06 Staete Landt Pinot Gris, Marlborough.

See my notes over on Wine Focus, this wine was very average and did not sell.

`07 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough.

Did this one live up to all the hype, in the room? Sure had quite a few admirers but $30?
Hay, grass on the nose with peach, mango and citrus. Was served a tad too warm but nothing over the top here (thank goodness). I can buy some excellent SB for under $22 here. Buy....not me.

`06 Torlesse Sauvignon Blanc, Waipara.

I always rave about the Riesling but this SB hit the spot for me. Big nose, more green pepper than the Cloudy Bay. Plenty of grapefruit and gooseberry, big finish, crisp and minerally. Great stuff!!

`06 Drylands Pinot Noir, Marlborough.

Lightish color, earthy nose with cherry fruit.($22) appeals to many but comment of "burgundian in style" had me swirling in disbelief! Host found a metal, aluminium tinge..nah!
To me, strawberry, cherry and hint of licorice. Nice wine but........>

`06 Waitiri Creek Drummer Pinot Noir, Central Otago.

WOTN for me, just arrived but no bottle shock for me. A new line I believe? $29 and buy..yup, for sure. Southern most region I think.
Quite some depth in the color, nose featured olives, vanilla, plum and cherry. Good tannins, brambleberry, strawberry etc. "This is quite similar to Oregon" was a comment. I am a big fan!

`04 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Merlot, Hawkes Bay.

Not for me and it did not move. Back label was dissected by our host who found much bs.
Opened one hour, still funky and tad vegetal on the nose. Tastes a lot better, blueberry and blackcurrant. Good tannins but will never "last 7 years" quote. No-one was really keen on this effort despite the reputation.

So pretty good night and many made new friends at the tasting.

Great to see some interesting kiwi wines making their way to your part of Canada, Bob, even if they were not all up your alley.

With the Main Divide Riesling, this is one that wants to be chilled and enjoyed without fuss on a hot summers day. Chilling enhances the acidity and will tone down the residual sugar, for sure. Still if you don't like rs, then it will never be for you.

Did the Trinity Hill have a cork closure, perchance? I can't find a note for this wine, but the back labels are not usually bs from this producer.

Thanks Sue...funny really. I am a big Oz Riesling fan from many years back so have had good experience of RS!! I was just writing down my thoughts as I tasted.
I heard back from winery about Drummer and have sent you the response via email.