Named after a breed of miniature sheep designed to keep his vineyards nicely manicured in the manner of living lawnmowers, Peter Yealands’ winemaking team has crafted a simple pinot noir that’s spicy upfront, holds some pleasant-enough fruit and has a smooth, refreshing finish. Uncomplicated easiness. Sip with: Red onion, pumpkin and feta tart. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
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Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015 $30
A ‘cantata’ is a word for a vocal piece accompanied by an instrumental. A song basically. But this Olly Masters-made pinot noir from the vertigo-inducing slopes of Bendigo is definitely singing a more complex tune. Pale berry-coloured and scented with baked cherry and wild strawberries, it’s a fresh, frisky, spice-laced sip with grippy tannins and … Read More
Urbn Vino Reserve ‘The Writers Block’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $50
Brendan Seal first heard of urban wineries whilst working as a winemaker in the USA and he immediately thought Dunedin would be a cracker of a location to do it himself. Making wine in the central city might seem like a logistical nightmare to some, yet for Brendan it’s a dream come true. Sourced from … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for August 18 2018
Pinot noir can be indulgent, spicy or just plain simple – just like my choice of frock of a weekend actually… Urbn Vino Reserve ‘The Writers Block’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $50 Brendan Seal first heard of urban wineries whilst working as a winemaker in the USA and he immediately thought Dunedin would be … Read More
Milcrest Estate Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 $41 (4 stars)
If you’re looking for a ripe, voluptuous, vanilla-and-spice style then you’ve come to the right cul-de-sac. Saturated with concentrated cherry, raspberry and redcurrant characters, the 11 months its spent in oak has given it a slightly smoky edge and buckets of smooth generous goodness in the mouth. Ripe, fleshy and feisty after 5 years, it’s … Read More
Porters Martinborough Pinot Noir 2014 $45 (4.5 stars)
It’s hard not to fall hard for Martinborough. Such a quaint, pretty little village surrounded by row upon row of vineyards – yet don’t be lulled into thinking there’s anyting quaint about it’s style of pinot noir. It’s all about impression, big impression and that’s what this wine delivers in spades. Made by proprietor John … Read More
Jackson Estate Somerset Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $48 (5 stars)
Whenever the team at Jackson Estate choose to release a Somerset, I get very excited. Having slept quietly in the bottle for the last few years, the 2013 is now ready to rock and it’s a beautiful thing. Sourced from old, gnarly vines growing in unirrigated, clay-stacked soils in the Waihopai Valley, the wine shines … Read More
Giesen Waihopai Single Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2014
Giesen Waihopai Single Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2014 $60 Individually numbered, heavy-duty, black glass bottles were made of this powerfully built pinot noir and if I were able I’d be filling my cellar with them. Perfumed with raspberry leaf, wild cherry and baked, balsamic strawberry notes, there’s a lovely dried herb layer, hints of cola … Read More
House of Ball Waipara Pinot Noir 2014
House of Ball Waipara Pinot Noir 2014 $41 Crafted by the husband and wife team of Julian and Lynda Ball, just 200 bottles were made of this bright, spicy, classic North Canterbury pinot noir. Most of it is soaked up by their lucky B&B Guests, but if you contact them quick you could be in … Read More
Bannock Brae Goldfields Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $35
This new vintage is un-fined and unfiltered, so you’re simply getting pure flavours of cherry, baked strawberry, wild thyme, tamarillo and hedgerow fruit notes. Grown in the desert-scape of Bannockburn’s Cairnmuir Road, this is a gorgeously gamey, elegant pinot noir with soft, fruit leather layers and deserves to be consumed by pinot noir lovers across … Read More