Central Otago Subregions Tasting
Central
Otago: a spectacular landscape and sophisticated tourist culture also home
to some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noir.
The region was first identified
as having supreme potential for winemaking in 1895 but stonefruit was the
significant crop until the 1950s, with pioneering winegrowers commiting
significantly in the 1970s. It is elementary to draw parallels between
Central Otago and Pinot Noir's 'spiritual homeland' - the Cote d'Or,
Burgundy, France: the extreme climate of Central Otago rewards careful site
selection whilst expressing pronounced demarkation between subregions.
Whilst Chardonnay, Riesling and aromatic whites and Gamay red wines are
produced (and delicious), the region is truly unique in the "New World" for its
commitment to Pinot Noir: 1,763ha of 2,163ha are planted to the grape, approx.
82% - once you've tasted the wines, you too will understand
why!
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Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2020Extremely perfumed with a pretty ripeness and clarity, offering plums and al-dente strawberries. Some cantaloupe, too. It's medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit that's lovely and open. You want to drink it now. And do. Crunchy yet velvety and caressing in the mouth-feel from the lovely, open tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Best in a year or two, but right on. (97) JAMES SUCKLING
The 2020 Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir is restrained on the nose, with an earthy (i.e., of the earth, gray rocks, etc.) countenance that I find highly engaging. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive with cherry and cranberry, pomegranate pearls, graphite and pencil lead, layers of black tea, coal dust and brine. This is dark without being heavy or dense, and it’s very fine. The silty tannins linger through the finish and seem to settle on the palate, which is pleasurable. It's fresh, and it's restrained and composed. An exciting wine. ERIN LARKIN, Wine Advocate
2020Pinot noirNew Zealand373$140.00 As low as $126.00 -
Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022The red cherries, plums and mushrooms come through clearly on the nose. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins that are nicely chewy and juicy at the end. There’s softness with tension here. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (94) JAMES SUCKLING
Taut, elegant pinot noir with a mix of dark cherry, floral/rose petal/violet, savoury/baked earth and spicy oak flavours. From a top Gibbston vineyard. A wine with energy and age-ability. (95) BOB CAMPBELL, The Real Review2022Pinot noirNew Zealand373$105.00 As low as $94.50 -
Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir 2024The colour has very good depth and hue, the bouquet is fresh and bright with red cherry, meaty charcuterie and fragrant dried herb overtones, the palate medium tomlight weight with a drying feel thanks to abundant tannin and lively acidity. This has more structure than usually seen in an entry-level pinot noir. Good value. Drinking 2024 - 2031 HUON HOOKE, The Real Review
Crisp black cherry, doris plum and wild herb aromatics lead to a fresh, vibrant and exuberant fruit-intense palate. This wine shows enjoyable flavours and length. DEAN SHAW, Winemaker
2024Pinot noirNew Zealand373$43.00 As low as $38.70