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
Central Otago
Carrick Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Carrick Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 $28 If you’ve been hunting high and low, hither and yon for a rosé that’s bone dry but generously ‘big boned’ then you’ve come to the right cul de sac my friend. Crafted from organically grown, Bannockburn pinot noir that’s been handpicked, gently pressed, separated from its … Read More
Carrick Central Otago Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Carrick Central Otago Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $28 Paired with: Oven Baked Potato Spinach Feta Frittata by Annabel Langbein in the NZ Herald May 20 2023 Glory be to the creator. Of this sensational organic sauvignon blanc. Who happens to be winemaker Rosie Menzies. A long slow fermentation in older oak barrels followed by a … Read More
Doctors Flat Single Vineyard Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019
Doctors Flat Single Vineyard Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 $52-$58 Anyone who loves great pinot noir should phone their nearest wine shop now to ask if they have this wine in stock. If they do, hoon down there immediately and celebrate that you’ve carpe’d that diem. If they don’t, wail loudly over the phone … Read More
Rockburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2022
Rockburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2022 $32 Central Otago is one of the harshest environments to grow grapes. Inland, mountainous and with almost no humidity, very low organic matter in the soils, weather extremes like you wouldn’t believe and crazy people who insist on hurling themselves off bridges and out of helicopters and into half-pipes on … Read More
Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022
Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022 $40 Winemaker Malcolm Rees-Francis has selected fruit from their Parkburn and Gibbston Valley Back Road vineyards to star in this, one of New Zealands most consistent and reliably tasty pinot noirs. The nose of the 2022 shows classic cherry, black tea and raspberry jus notes on the nose and … Read More
Carrick Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020
Carrick Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $44-$51 Now in its 26th vintage, this is one of New Zealand’s most respected pinot noirs. The 2020 erupts with classic Central Otago dark fruits and dried thyme aromatics, then follows through with attractively layered spice and charred oak notes. There’s some tannic cling and grip and it’s … Read More
Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021
Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 $33-$37 Paired with Lamb Meatballs in the NZ Herald CANVAS magazine Sat 8th April 2023 To me, it doesn’t matter if you get all Bubba from Forrest Gump on it (lamb roast, lamb chops, lamb racks, lamb burgers, lamb and rosemary sausages, lamb casserole, lamb rissoles, lamb steaks, lamb … Read More
Carrick The Magnetic Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2020
Carrick The Magnetic Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2020 $65 Intensely juicy, gamey, spice-saturated and lifted, this buoyant beauty is crammed with cocoa notes blueberry, red cherry and rhubarb flavours in every cranny. With gently lithe, lovely tannins, if you’re looking for purity and a ‘sense of place’ in one sip, you’ve got it right here. According … Read More
Te Kano Estate Central Otago Blanc de Noir 2022
Te Kano Estate Central Otago Blanc de Noir 2022 $30 Te Kano’ is Māori for ‘seed,’ and their winemaking team have definitely planted something pretty thrilling onto my tastebuds. Crafted from 100% pinot noir from their two certified organic vineyards, (clay-based Eliza and sandy-soiled Jerome) carefully, gently, whole-bunch pressed to avoid too much of their … Read More