Pinot noirs from the 2009 vintage are appearing now, many a bit prematurely, going by the way the initial gawkiness softens and mellows as they sit in the glass.
Most of these were better the following day, indicating that they will benefit from more time in the bottle.
Akarua Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009.
$39.
Akarua, established by Sir Clifford Skeggs, is rebranding under his son David's leadership, and new winemaker Matt Connell.
Formerly The Gullies, this is attractive with hints of cherries, plums and spice, a silky texture and stylish finish.
4 stars (out of 5)
$41
An inviting wine with spicy aromas, rich, velvety and generously mouthfilling with hints of plums, cherries and spice with a crisp lift on the finish.
Will reward further time in the bottle.
4 stars (out of 5)
Average value
$55
Lush, generous, oozing spice, plums and cherries with hints of dark chocolate, caramel and toasty oak, this is velvety in the mouth and long on the finish, but it also develops an underlying complexity and elegance with time.
Great potential.
4 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$35
A Central Otago wine from a Waiheke Island winemaker, this is zesty with hints of cherry plum and spicy oak, mouthfilling with an exciting edge and a tingly finish.
3 stars (out of 5)
Below average value
$24
An attractive, easy wine with hints of cherry candy, liquorice, spicy, toasty oak and a tingly finish.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
$30
From Marlborough, this hints of tamarillos and oak with an earthy, mineral undertone, and is an intense, lively wine, with a crisp edge.
3 stars (out of 5)
Average value
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective.
These are personal recommendations.
