Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $39 ★★★★ This’ll probably sound really weird, but I love that this pinot smells like moss-covered tree trunks in the rain, lush and earthy, with a layer of black tea, cherry and baking spices. Fresh and juicy to drink, with pleasantly drying tannins, this well-crafted pinot has lovely fruit … Read More
Central Otago
Folding Hill Ballasalla Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Folding Hill Ballasalla Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $35 ★★★★ ‘Ballasalla’ is the name of the village on the Isle of Man where owner Tim Kerruish grew up. It’s appropriate, as the wine has a ‘homely’ feel to it, immediately comforting and approachable. Attractive red rose, red cherry, tea, black guava and bouquet garni herbs … Read More
Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $60 ★★★★½ True to their biodynamic philosophies, Ted Lemon and Clair Mulholland conduct all their winemaking work in accordance with lunar and celestial rhythms. They use naturally-occurring, wild yeasts, minimize their sulphur use and avoid using additives or filters. If you want a definition of complexity, this pinot … Read More
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014
Quest Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2014 $24 ★★★★½ What started out as a mistake (growing a small amount of pinot gris to co-ferment with pinot noir) ended up being an exciting solo project for Mark (Mack) Mason and Michelle Crawford. Fresh quince and nashi characters are sliced through with samurai sword acidity, leaving a … Read More
Tatty Bogler Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
Tatty Bogler Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013 $35 ★★★★ It might be named after a scruffy, Scottish scarecrow, but this pinot is pure class. Fresh, clean and showing nice lines of red fruits, cocoa and spice on the nose, the palate is followed by a juicy, long finish. Very nice indeed, and destined for more … Read More
NEW LOVE ON THE BLOCK
NEW LOVE ON THE BLOCK Years ago, when I was just starting out in this business, I remember attending a snazzy wine tasting event in Auckland. I was desperately trying (and failing) to look professional while struggling to hold my laughably large handbag, my pen, my notebook, my dictaphone and my wine glass. I was … Read More
It’s a Central Otago Fest at the Foodstore October 17th! Click image to view…
Rockburn ‘The Art’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
Rockburn ‘The Art’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010 $80 ★★★★★ Deep and brooding in the glass, it oozes sweet black tea, black cherry and spice while in the mouth it reveals a peacocks-tail of flavours redolent of dried herbs, succulent plum and cocoa characters. It’s a masculine yet elegant wine with real finesse, tension and a … Read More
AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010
AMISFIELD CENTRAL OTAGO DRY RIESLING 2010, $30 Subtle mango sorbet and delicate limey citrus notes are what you’ll find on the nose, yet in the mouth it’s a different pot of pesce altogether. Full flavoured, rich, concentrated fruit flavours are fleshed out with mineral-driven intensity, lipsmacking acidity and punch on the palate. It’s a beautiful … Read More
Selaks Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011
Selaks Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 $21 The latest edition to the Reserve, or Black Label range from Selaks, and it’s a pleasant drop especially for those new to pinot. Red cherry, rhubarb and upfront spicy notes on the nose are followed by very soft, almost subdued fruit and earth characters on the palate. … Read More