This is a very good Central Otago pinot noir from Valli’s Gibbstone vineyard and the 2017 vintage. It has restrained blackcurrant, dark cherry and undergrowth aromas, with Burgundian echoes. The palate has medium tannins, high acid, medium length and a full body, and a dried herb character. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good to VeryContinue reading “Valli Gibston Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago 2017”
Tag Archives: Central Otago
South Island Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016
Central Otago pinot noir really has improved at all price points over the last decade. The wines I see are increasingly complex and savoury, perhaps a function of vine age. This wine is rather good for a $16 Central Otago pinot noir. It has aromas of stems and ripe cranberries. The palate has a savouryContinue reading “South Island Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016”
A vinous round up
Here is a vinous round up of wine notes that I, for one reason or another, have not been quick enough to type out individual posts on, but nonetheless ought to be commented upon. There are some very good wines among these. In re-reading them, it is a bit of vinous Noah’s Ark which, moreContinue reading “A vinous round up”
Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2012
Quartz Reef in Central Otago is another winery that has taken to biodynamics, and the results again are good. This pinot noir is from the Central Otago subregion of Bendigo, the grapes are handpicked and the vine density is admirable at 5000 to 8000 plants per hectare. Bendigo is warmer than the Gibbston subregion, whichContinue reading “Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2012”
Valli Pinot Noir Gibbston Vineyard 2012
Central Otago is surely one of the most beautiful places in the world. I expect that I am in danger of wishing to return to it sooner rather than later, adding yet a further destination to a list unable to be sensibly satisfied with such limited time. Since I last looked in on pinot noirsContinue reading “Valli Pinot Noir Gibbston Vineyard 2012”
Maude Pinot Noir 2007
Another short wine review. People talk about good value pinot noir being hard to find. This one should be on your list. Medium intensity ruby in colour. Aromatics of cherry, earth and redcurrant. A high acid palate with medium to long length, a sense of balance and flavours of cherry. Ready to drink now, thisContinue reading “Maude Pinot Noir 2007”