Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 & 2019

May 24, 2023By Yvonne

It was a real treat to taste a mini-vertical of a pinot noir that I’ve been a fan of for many years. Phil Handford from Grasshopper Rock sent me a bottle each of his 2013 and 2019 for comparison (and fun) and it was super interesting seeing how an extra six years vine age, tiny … Read More

McArthur Ridge McArthur Grand Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020

March 28, 2023By Yvonne

McArthur Ridge McArthur Grand Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $80 Clearly the stars were aligned and the gods were appeased above Alexandra in 2020 because viticulturist Murray Petrie was able to grow some very happy, satisfied grapes, fat with flavour that winemaker Matt Connell was able to wave his wizarding wand across and fashion … Read More

McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020

August 4, 2022By Yvonne

McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $39 Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards Gold Medal & Trophy Winner at International Wine Challenge 2022 Gold Medal & Champion Pinot Noir Trophy NZ International Wine Show If you’re looking for a Central Otago pinot noir with both depth, intensity and also playful perkiness … Read More

McArthur Ridge Falls Dam Central Otago Pinot Gris 2021

August 4, 2022By Yvonne

McArthur Ridge Falls Dam Central Otago Pinot Gris 2021 $24.99 Re-tasted Feb 3rd 2023 – evolving exceptionally well Alexandra’s extreme seasonal climate fluctuations keep the vines on their toes, turning out finely-tuned pinot gris with great tension and concentration. Nashi notes merge with fresh apple and yellow, Mirabelle plum plushness, frisky acidity and excellent length … Read More

McArthur Ridge Lilico Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

August 4, 2022By Yvonne

McArthur Ridge Lilico Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2021 $24.99 Crafted from fruit grown in soils known as the Brassknocker Alluvial Gravels, this rich, peachy, creaming soda and cherry-stacked rosé is an absolute Alexandra star. Morganite-hued, beautifully balanced, and substantial in its concentrated fruit spine and ribs of spiced citrus, this is a take-no-prisoners style … Read More

McArthur Ridge Brass Knocker Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021

December 6, 2021By Yvonne

McArthur Ridge Brass Knocker Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 $20 Re-tasted Feb 3 2023 and re-evaluated to 5-star Evolving beautifully into a spectrum of dried herb and complex cherry notes with hints of vanilla and cocoa. Gold Medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 From the team at McArthur Ridge comes a new vintage of what’s … Read More

Schist Hills Old Vines Central Otago Gewürztraminer 2013

May 19, 2020By Yvonne

Schist Hills Old Vines Central Otago Gewürztraminer 2013 $18.99 John and Christine Rasmussen of Schist Hills source this gewürz from their Black Ridge vineyard, home to the oldest gewürztraminer vines in Alexandra. It’s a crisp, dry style, with just enough lychee, peach and Turkish delight characters to inject a tweak of sweet into an otherwise … Read More

Rock & Pillar Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017

October 21, 2019By Yvonne

Rock & Pillar Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 $29 Really enjoyed this lush, plush, cherry-driven pinot that’s showing deliciously savoury, forest floor notes on the nose and palate and a really silky-textured finish.  Fruit saturated and finely-tuned.  I love it! www.southernwines.co.nz  

Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017

November 24, 2018By Yvonne

Dry Gully Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017 $29 Pinot Noir grown in Alexandra has its own personality and pluck.  Dry Gully are totally dependable to produce solid, cheek-slappingly glorious pinot noir year after year.  Intense cherry, tamarillo, tea leaf and rosehip tea all crash across the palate and leave a comet-tail of spice on the … Read More

Weaver Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009

February 3, 2012By Yvonne

Weaver Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 $36  I am loving this debut pinot from this shiny-new, Alexandra-based family estate.  It is intensely perfumed with cherry, boysenberry, violet, black tea and sandalwood.  Silky and slippery in the mouth, it has delicious, spicy warmth, superb depth and delicious length of flavour.  While there’s a good few … Read More