February 10, 2024 - One of my favorite Pinots under $50 that I’ve ever had. Complex with great depth. Stunner right out of the bottle and a big crowd favorite at multiple dinners. Even compared to other QPR NZ Pinot, it’s a cut above.
February 6, 2024 - New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting (Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls): 90% Abel clone
Far spicier than A2, more robust too, thick oak frame, toasty, roasted nutty almond, whole spice, black fruit
Palate is juicy, more airy than the nose, ethereal despite its youth, black fruit, toasted frame, nice acidity, a touch warmer, med finish
January 14, 2024 - Light ruby in color. Very light bodied. Oversteeped black tea and plum notes.
August 26, 2023 - more New Zealand Pinot Noirs: very translucent garnet colour and light to medium body in the glass. earthy and mineral notes leaven the dark fruit aromas while floral whiffs add elegance. the mouth follows the nose in a lovely savoury and juicy tension. good structure to balance the fruit, ample acidity, and good length.
a bit of time should do wonders to sculpt the depth of flavours here. good upside potential!
13.5% AbV; from a cool site just south of Wanaka (Mt. Barker)
August 26, 2023 - New Zealand Pinot Noir (K&L Wines, San Francisco): Red center, pale edge. Nutty oak. Light but good coverage and penetration. Stemmy blue tinged fruit, cranberry acidity, and a taut, tannic, earthy finish. Excellent potential.
February 7, 2023 - New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting (Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls): Nice, fruit forward profile, herbal with spicy notes in the back
In the palate, the wine is juicy, nice tannins, acidity, bitter notes, worth tracking down to try again