Sometimes people describe pinot noir as being ‘feminine’ and I think the Peregrine could absolutely be that. Feminine insomuch as she’s tall, tanned, has long, sand-dusted hair, listens to Iron Butterfly and refuses to wear a bra-type of woman. A fabulously feral female is what this wine is. Exotic aromatics of spice, pot pourri, pomegranate … Read More
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Whistling Buoy
I’ve sipped my way through the new Whistling Buoy releases from Canterbury and they’re rather snazzy… Whistling Buoy Kokolo Vineyard Canterbury Pinot Noir 2016 $36 (5 stars) Wow. Here’s one ultra-juicy, exotically-scented, super-charged pinot noir from under the southern sun. Kokolo is a vineyard on a sheltered site at the head of Lyttleton and clearly … Read More
Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $29.95
This is a snazzy southern pinot packed with cherry, baking spices, raspberry and tamarillo characters that batta bing with bold tannins to create a deliciously chewy texture and a long, fruit-soaked finish. Sip with: roast venison and pickled blueberries. www.blackmarket.co.nz
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Ridge Block Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014 $62 (4.5 stars)
This is a sleeping giant of a wine, newly released and stirring slowly. I love the ruby colour and aromas of blackberry bush, rosehip tea, wild cherry and cocoa. To drink, it’s gently unfurling, revealing forest floor and leafy lushness. Crushed red currants, violets and baking spices on the palate lead to vibrant, agile tannins … Read More
Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 $56.99 (5 stars)
Fact. Clayvin is the most famous pinot noir vineyard in the country and it’s now lovingly looked after by Marcel Giesen. Perfumed with red rose, fresh-cut tamarillo, red cherry, wild-grown herbs and a hint of pepper, this is sultry elegance personified. The feeling I get tasting this wine is very similar to how I feel … Read More
Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $45.00
Don’t fret if you’re staring at this wine thinking it’s a little less glossy than others. Be happy because winemakers Duncan Forsyth and Anna Riederer, haven’t fined or filtered it, opting instead to keep the wine in its pure authenic state. A state of black tea, cherry and mixed spice intensity. The palate is tightrope … Read More
Toi Toi Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012 $45.50
There’s an expectation out there, and I’m not sure why, that all Central Otago pinot noir has to be inky dark and OTT. This is a deliciously silky, subtle and beautifully balanced example sourced from the arrid slopes of Lowburn. I love the lift of 5-spice, cherry and dried herbs that collide with succulent, juicy … Read More
Seresin OSIP Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $28.50
Named after a relative of founder Michael Seresin, the OSIP wines are the result of a decade-long project to remove additions in the winery. Winemaker Clive Dougall and the crazy organic, biodynamic kids at Seresin have taken things even further in their ‘hands off’ approach by opting to avoid adding any sulphur and non-naturals AND … Read More
Sea Level Home Block Nelson Pinot Noir 2015 $27.50
Winemaker Simon Smail has let loose on his own label here, and the results are predictably top of the leader board. Gorgeous aromas of wild strawberries, herbal tea, cherry, hints of fruitwood smoke, rhubarb leaf and concentrated cranberry characters make it a new favourite sip for me. The tannins are juicy and elastic and the … Read More
Kina Beach Vineyard Nelson Pinot Noir 2015 $30 (3.5 stars)
Here’s a lovely, bright, fruit saturated pinot that’s packed with spice and personality. Lifted and light on the palate, there’s a saucy, strawberries-and-cream character to round out the lengthy finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser pinot that’ll lend itself to any occasion. Nicely made. www.kinabeach.co.nz