Carrick Central Otago Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Pinot Noir 2021 $80 This single-block, single clone wine is named for the couple who established this Bannockburn vineyard, Sue and Bill Arthur “The 2021 Arthur’s is the inaugural release of this wine, having always stood out as a unique and interesting portion of the Bannockburn Estate blend, we … Read More
Pinot Noir
Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020
Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $45 It’s been a long time between Orchard Block pinots with the last one being back in 2017! The western boundary of this, (the most sheltered part of the vineyard), is an orchard of cider apple trees and the handpicked fruit is fermented in a small … Read More
Grasshopper Rock Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 & 2019
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
Carrick Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021
Carrick Arthur’s Vineyard Organic Central Otago Pinot Noir 2021 $65 Grown across the road from the Carrick winery, the 10/5 clone, own-rooted vines responsible for this new addition to Carrick’s stable, are 25 years old and really starting to hit their straps. Handpicked, wild-fermented and left on skins for almost 4 weeks before spending 9 … Read More
Riverby Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021
Riverby Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 $28 Grown on land transformed by the redirection of Marlborough’s Opawa River back in the 1930s, this pinot noir erupts with bright redcurrant, raspberry and rhubarb aromas which just instantly make you grin. The palate is slippery, soothing and juicy and unveils a core of lightly charred oak, soft … 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 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