The Beatles line "I get by with a little help from my friends" may be appropriate today as a Gamay completed a tasting flight with a group of Central Pinot Noirs. Broadly speaking, both grapes originate in Burgundy; Gamay a rather uncommon variety here in comparison to Pinot Noir with but a handful of Central producers. The Pinot Noirs today include some fascinating single site examples from Rockburn that looked remarkably different on the day, while the Loop Road comes from the sub-region of Bendigo. 2021 Dicey Bannockburn Gamay Price RRP $40 Rating Excellent to outstanding Simply bursting with juicy dark fruits, herbs, smoke, stony/ lead pencil notes, more fragrant with aeration. Plum and dark berries, lovely richness to the fruit matched by zestiness which gives a tingly, slightly crunchy feel to the palate. A splendid combo of intensity and balance, I didn’t want to spit this out. If Central can do this with Gamay, bring it on. www.dicey.nz 2021 Loop Road Central Otago Pinot Noir Price RRP $35 Rating Very good to excellent Delicacy, florality, red fruits, dried strawberry. Attractive red fruits in the mouth, a touch of raspberry and lavender with a chalky feel to the tannins. Light to medium-bodied. Changes considerably in the glass, darker fruits and savoury nuances, bright and crunchy/crisp with real vibrancy and appealing chewiness on the close. A bit of a slow burner. www.looprd.co.nz 2021 Rockburn The Art Central Otago Pinot Noir Price RRP $99 Rating Very Good to Excellent Smoke and lead pencil, raspberry accents, ripely fruited, charcuterie with time. Ripe fruits again in the mouth, savoury undercurrents, spices appearing, fine grainy tannins adding an attractive chewy quality, wisps of bonfire embers on the close. Initially felt medium- bodied but grew, as did the tannins, adding a bittersweet nuance. All knees and elbows, needs time. www.rockburn.co.nz 2021 Rockburn The Chosen Parkburn Vineyard 777 Pinot Noir Price RRP $99 Rating Excellent Engaging nose, darker fruits, a touch brooding, savoury and earthy nuances, flecks of hard candy later. The fruit fills the medium-bodied frame, fine grippy tannins showing their intent, as savoury and wild herb notes swell. Develops a lovely dryness and warm richness to the palate. Pulls into its shell a little over time, just being a bit coy for now. www.rockburn.co.nz 2021 Rockburn The Chosen Parkburn Vineyard Hillside Pinot Noir Price RRP $99 Rating Excellent to outstanding Powerfully expressed, florality, lavender and thyme, deep rich fruit, savoury elements with air. Lovely richness yet retaining a lightness of touch, depth and elegance. Fruit sweetness, raspberry acid drops neatly balanced by bright acidity and very fine tannins, a lip-smacking quality drawing you in. Effortless, nothing out of place, complex, super drinking. www.rockburn.co.nz 2021 Rockburn Parkburn Vineyard Nine Barrels Pinot Noir Price RRP $99 Rating Outstanding Darker, brooding nose, savoury, gamy nuances, hints of herb, the fruit perfectly integrated, earthy aspects with air. Delightful juiciness, ripe fruit but not oversweet, depth balance and integration, yet potential too. Lovely mouthfeel, flavours hang on the long close, serious wine. Effortless, superb balance, deceptively rich, drinkability yet potential. www.rockburn.co.nz
