Many 2008 pinot noirs are making their way on to wine shop
shelves, but a lot of them will benefit from at least several
months of bottle age.
As I tasted these over a day or two, the best developed more
charm, mellowness and layers of flavour.
Besides the wines reviewed here, this tasting included
several single vineyard wines from Bendigo and Bannockburn in
Central Otago - check out Another Glass below for reviews.
◊ BEST
VALUE
Montana Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007
(about $23, but look for it on special)
At two years old, this is drinking well, with mellow fruit
hinting of strawberry, a juicy texture with savoury
background and lingering finish.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Good value
www.montana.co.nz
Framingham Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008
(about $28)
A young wine with hints of beeswax, raspberries and cherry
plums with oodles of oak and a firm, crisp finish.
It may mellow with a little more time in bottle.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Average value
www.framingham.co.nz
Curio Bendigo
Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
(abouty $30)
An attractive, lush wine with soft, overly ripe, sweet fruit,
oozing cherries, strawberries and boysenberries, supported by
darker tones of toasty oak, and finishing with a firm, spicy
grip.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Average value
sashadentremont.wordpress.com
Folding Hill
Bendigo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
(about $35)
Lush fruit with juicy hints of strawberry, plums with a
suggestion of creamy chocolate and a crisp, tingly but firm
finish.
A young wine that will benefit from a few more months in
bottle.
A new Central Otago label from the Kerruish family and
partners' small vineyard at Bendigo.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
www.foldinghill.co.nz
Craggy Range
Zebra Vineyard Bendigo Pinot Noir 2008
(about $40)
One of five single vineyard pinot noirs made by Craggy Range,
this is attractively fragrant with oodles of juicy ripe fruit
- strawberries, cherries and plums with underlying savoury
hints of mineral, toast and spice and a beautifully balanced,
long aftertaste.
Delicious now but it will develop more complexity and harmony
with bottle age.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
www.craggyrange.com
Jackson Estate
Vintage Widow Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008
(about $40)
A big, spicy wine that makes a statement, dense with fruit
and lots of toasty oak hinting of dark chocolate, coffee,
vanilla and honey.
It's perhaps more impressive than charming, but if you enjoy
big pinots, this is for you.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
www.jacksonestate.co.nz
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