Matahiwi Estate Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018

6 July 2019By Yvonne

Matahiwi Estate Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018 $42.99 If you’re not a fan of overcooked, overextracted pinot, then this may definitely appeal.  A classically-styled pinot noir with hints of tobacco and smoked cherry on the nose and palate, slippery and lush, lightly-structured, powdery tannins, and long, redcurrant and raspberry layers on the finish.  www.matahiwi.co.nz

Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018

5 July 2019By Yvonne

Matahiwi Holly South Series Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2018 $45 Do you know what’s freaky? If you look at the dark and sultry image of smoke and blossoms on the label, then sniff this wine, your brain will be assailed with charred roses, graphite, baked berries and cocoa. Singling out pinot noir from their ‘home’ vineyard just … Read More

Paddy Borthwick Falloon Block Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014

5 July 2019By Yvonne

Paddy Borthwick Falloon Block Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014 $22 The Borthwick’s are Wairarapa pioneers in farming and grapegrowing and that they’re able to produce such fresh and fabulous pinot noir at this price is testament to their vast experience on the land.  Classic black tea, seasoned leather, black guava and spicy cherry flavours merge with … Read More

Tohu Whenua Awa Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

24 June 2019By Yvonne

Tohu Whenua Awa Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $41.99 This wine is replacing the Rore Reserve Pinot Noir.  The first half went into the market with the Rore Reserve label on it and it won the trophy for Wine of Provenance (the wine that’s the most reflective of its place, its terroir over time) at the … Read More

Tohu Whenua Matua Nelson Pinot Noir 2017

24 June 2019By Yvonne

Tohu Whenua Matua Nelson Pinot Noir 2017 $34.99 3 clones of pinot noir abel, 777, 115 are used in the makeup of this wine which has huge aromatics.  Wild red berries, woolly, lanolin, sandalwood, spice, hints of bay, super-fresh acidity and the tannins are stalky and solid.  Warming and smooth, black olive and some soy … Read More

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016

22 June 2019By Yvonne

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2016 $49 Three years of quiet time in bottle has allowed the subtle spices in this pinot noir to knit together nicely.  Perfumed with baked berries, soft cherry characters, savoury tones and sandalwood, while the palate is slippery and slick.  Ribbon-like as each sip slides down.  A blockbuster is not … Read More

Rapaura Springs Reservoir Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017

21 June 2019By Yvonne

Rapaura Springs Reservoir Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 $39.99 I LOVE this wine!  Fresh, frisky, wild red fruits, buckets of berries, cherries, soft and luscious textures, so pristine, so clean, so focused and plush, lush, spice-infused and fabulous.  The length of flavour is like an energizer bunny in a bottle – it’s so satisfying and … Read More

Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017

11 June 2019By Yvonne

Lamb and Chorizo Sausage Plait (dish Aug Sept 2019) A fruit-forward, soft, plush pinot noir is exactly what this spicy, family-sized sausage roll.  The Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 ($28) ticks all those boxes and more.  Ripe cherry, raspberry and even a tiny squeak of beetroot all erupt from the glass and the flavours are … Read More

Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017

5 June 2019By Yvonne

Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 $28 The Mischief Waipara Pinot Noir 2017 ticks all the boxes for plushness, fruit-forwardness and is one of those wines that’ll inject life into any occasion.  Ripe cherry, raspberry and even a tiny squeak of beetroot all erupt from the glass and the flavours are soft, easy, plump and gentle … Read More

Nockie’s Palette ‘Georgetown’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

28 May 2019By Yvonne

Nockie’s Palette ‘Georgetown’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $38 The Georgetown Vineyard is situated at the Cromwell end of the Kawarau Gorge and sits on the site of the historic Georgetown township. Crafted by Jenn Parr, this pinot noir absolutely heaves with wild cherry, redcurrant and sweet, coughdrop complexity.  Hints of wild thyme and seasoned … Read More