Terroir-istes International - New Zealand Pinot Noir
Klein Constantia
Tasted Monday, December 5, 2016 by rikipedia with 21 views
Introduction
This evening, we shall try Pinot Noir from the World's most southerly vineyards. The PN will be represented from both the North and South island and include
Nelson, Martinborough, Otago Bay and Marlborough.
the furthest distance to the ocean from any of the above regions is 120km.
New Zealand has become a beacon for exceptional Pinot Noir, the second-largest grape variety after Sauvignon Blanc. A maritime climate with diverse soils has resulted in fruit-forward, aromatic, and exquisitely balanced wines. The most successful Pinot Noir regions in New Zealand include Martinborough, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury & Waipara, and Central Otago.
Marlborough (23,000 hectares) has the largest plantings of both Sauvignon Blanc 917800 ha.) and Pinot Noir (2500 ha.), with Pinot Noir being the second most planted varietal after Sauvignon Blanc. The area was formed from glacial formation. Marlborough Pinot Noir showcases the region's pristine fruit with additional minerality and exotic spices. The average tons/ha's are 15. Represent 76% of all the production of NZ. 655mm annual rainfall. Marlborough produces Pinot Noir full of bright pristine red fruit and vibrant acidity with additional layers of minerality and exotic spices.
Central Otago (2000 ha.) is best known for its Pinot Noir (1484 ha planted) and has over 100 wineries. It receives 637mm of rain per annum with approximately 1973 sun hours. The region covers many diverse soils, resulting in different Pinot Noir styles. Compared to other regions, two of the characteristic features of Central Otago Pinot Noirs are deeper in flavour with impressive fruit intensity and silken texture.
Martinborough is less than 1-2% of New Zealand's crop with 2400 sun hours whilst Nelson also receives 2400 sun hours and 970 mm of annual rainfall.
Stylistically, Martinborough wines have a greater intensity of black cherry, oak, and spice aromas. The climate in Martinborough is more exposed to cooler southerly winds, but has a longer growing season.
2014 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 5 92 Points
New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
(Tasted Blind): Light crimson red colour. Pronounced and expressive aromas of sweet strawberries, Bing Cherry and red plum dotted with a vanilla/spice creme. A smooth, succulent entry with supple fruit tannins reminiscent of chamois leather. Lively acidity gives some structure to this medium-bodied wine, whilst a touch of meatiness, expresso foam, sweet plum and cherry fruits fill the mid-palate. A punchy wine (Central Otago?) with a slightly rasping, fruity edge, this is a well-balanced wine that lingers on the aftertaste.
Score: 91-92
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2013 Greywacke Pinot Noir 94 Points
New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
(Tasted Blind): Light crimson red colour. A mix of savoury aromas joins deeper fruits of black plum, raspberry and strawberry alongside spicy oak, expresso foam and some sweet spices. It is an elegant, medium-bodied, alive wine with fruit weight and punch, a rich, slightly creamy texture, and a generous mid-palate. The wine has depth and complexity, with the core bursting with a red maraschino cherry, succulent strawberries and plums, and ample sprinkling of sweet spices. The fruit also has persistence and fatness, with a sufficient line of acid and velvety tannins maintained from start to finish.
They use Clones 777, 667 and 115 with UCDC5 and 10/5. Destemmed mainly with 15 months in 45% oak (French)
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2012 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 85 Points
New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
"(Tasted Blind): A light ruby to an orange rim suggests some age. Aromas of squashed strawberries, warm berries, summer pudding, ripe strawberries, and lifted pride of India cherries, with a hint of pancakes, greets the nose.
The palate, however, reveals a slightly flatter taste, possibly indicating some oxidation, and it seems super ripe and more extracted, with sinewy tannins and black fruit with smoky overtones. The wine is more muscular, with firm, slightly bitter tannins and a touch of honey. It appears to be more developed and not quite holding.
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2014 Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn 90 Points
New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Bannockburn
(Tasted Blind): A light(-) crimson with an orange rim, indicating some age. The nose has stewed raspberries, white pepper, and ripe strawberry aromas.
Gobs of fresh, ripe, sweet fruits on entry with blueberry joining raspberry compote and pepper. Fairly extracted gives firmer tannins and there is a warmer alcohol. The wine is a little top-heavy with sweet fruit and extract, giving a burlesque, terse style that lacks charm. The finish is medium with a savoury and spicy edge, adding intrigue, but the wine may need more time to show itself.
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