A delicious bunch of pinots, mostly from Central Otago, turned up for this tasting. A couple show how charming wines from Gibbston can be, and some '08s show how an extra year's bottleage can mellow the wine.
BEST VALUE
$27
Three-and-a-half stars (out of five)
Good value
At three years old, this is drinking deliciously. Fragrant with hints of raspberries and redfruits and a savoury undertone, it is attractively mellowed with a firm, juicy finish.
BEST VALUE
$28
Three-and-a-half stars
Good value
An attractive wine with juicy hints of cherries and berries supported by spicy oak and a firm,lively finish.
$36
Four stars
Average value
A dark, aromatic wine from Bendigo with generous dark cherry and berry fruit, backed by spicy oak and hints of chocolate, this is a seductive charmer.
$41
Four-and-a-half stars
Average value
Dark cherries and spice with a hint of mineral and savoury undertones, this is a bright,powerful wine, intense and juicy, nicely integrated with a lively finish.
$45
Four stars
Below average value
A stylish, complex wine with hints of ripe boysenberries and plums, and a suggestion of ferns and forest floor intermingling with spicy oak, but nicely balanced with a crisp, firm finish. Another charming Gibbston wine.
$35
Four stars
Average value
Fragrant with bright raspberry and other red fruits with darker, savoury undertones, an exciting edge and a lively crisp finish, this shows how charming Gibbston pinot can be.
ANOTHER GLASS
Wooing Tree Sandstorm Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
$85
Four stars
Below average value
Wooing Tree's premium wine, this is powerful with red and dark fruits, lots of toasty oak,suggestions of vanilla and pencil shavings and a tight, firm, texture. More bottle age may mellow its youthful excesses, but meanwhile those who enjoy big, oaky pinots with almost overbearing charm will enjoy this wine.
Clos Henri produces three Marlborough pinot noirs from its vineyards in the Wairau valley.
Petit Clos Pinot Noir 2009 ($23) is peppery, light crisp and fresh with a herbal edge and anaustere, dry finish (two and a half stars).
Bel Echo Pinot Noir 2009 ($28) is more concentrated with hints of smoky bacon,cherries,raspberries and spice with a crisp acidity and lively finish. (three stars).
Clos Henri Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 ($42) in a hefty bottle is the domain's flagship, a classy young wine with rich, dark and red fruits, a hint of mineral, spicy oak, velvety texture and a firm finish (four stars).
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tastingand evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
