Archive: New Zealand: Pinot Noir
Brancott 2004 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($12). Quite light, but still pretty, with delicate raspberry and cherry fruit and just a touch of lightly spicy, toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05)
Dashwood 2006 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($18). Racy, slightly tart red berry and currant fruit flavors are laced with a pronounced herbal note and light spices. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-22)
Firstland 2000 Pinot Noir New Zealand ($25). Youthful, racy red fruit aromas and flavors, with creamy vanilla oak and spice notes. Needs additional time in the bottle to smooth out. Drink from 2004-2007. Pair with grilled salmon with a cherry sauce. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)
Grove Mill 2001 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($23). Deep and distinctive, with black plum and cherry fruit mingled with earthy mushroom, tobacco and exotic spice notes. Picks up creamy chocolate on the generous finish. Full-bodied but balanced; food-friendly. Practically begs to be paired with dishes that include wild mushrooms – from risotto to seared beef fillet to game. Delicious now and over the next three or four years. (Winery Spotlight, 06/03)
Kim Crawford
2009 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($20). Nice — a “classic” New Zealand Pinot Noir. Deeply aromatic, with light mushroom notes to the red raspberry and strawberry fruit. Finishes with a touch of toasty oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Paired nicely with a salad topped with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-29)
2007 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($23). Easy to like for its lively red berry and cherry fruit, with just a touch of tartness, and tasty chocolate and anise accents that linger on the flavorful finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-22)
2002 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($14). Racy raspberry and red cherry fruit is youthful and forward, sporting a ribbon of spice and delicate herbal notes. Medium-bodied. Finishes clean. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine Tasting, 10/03)
Matariki 2004 Pinot Noir Hawkes Bay ($31). Pretty and vibrant, with clean red berry and cherry flavors and aromas, supported by toasty oak and a dash of earthy spices. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 11/06)
Matua Valley
2003 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($11). Delicious at any price, with pretty red cherry and blueberry flavors laced with soft, sweet spices and toasty oak. Heck of a deal. Ready to drink now. Right now! (Bargain Wine, 08/04)
2002 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($11). A dash of funky earth laces pretty red cherry and raspberry fruit. Medium-bodied, good value. Moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/04)
Nobilo 2009 Pinot Noir Marlborough Icon ($22). Really lovely, with focused black cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors, accented with layers of fresh herbs, black tea and rich chocolate and toast, with a long, elegant finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-22)
Rowland 2000 Pinot Noir Central Otago Jill’s Vineyard ($26). Delicious New Zealand Pinot, showing concentrated currant and racy cherry fruit accented with toasty oak, licorice and spice. Lingering, smooth finish; good acidity. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Wine Skinny Best, 12/02)
Sacred Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Central Otago ($27). Lush and smooth, but with varietally-correct delicacy and complexity. Offers bright, graceful cherry and berry fruit, with delicate accents of rich earth, fresh herbs and aromatic floral. Fine tannins and a long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-19)
Tohu 2003 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($20). Another bright, happy wine from New Zealand, with delicate red raspberry and cherry fruit layered with moderate spices and a touch of dried floral notes. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/05)
Vavasour 2004 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($23). Racy red berry aromas and flavors stay focused through the moderate finish, picking up touches of white pepper and vanilla along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 04/07)
Villa Maria 2001 Pinot Noir Marlborough Cellar Selection ($24). Boldly colored, with deep, ripe red cherry and blueberry fruit. Generous oak shadings, with sweet vanilla and exotic spices. Generous finish. (Robyn’s Picks, 08/03)
Whitehaven
2004 Pinot Noir Whitehaven ($30). Delicate, complex aromas and flavors include velvety plum, bright cherry and raspberry, a touch of bittersweet chocolate and a lingering spicy finish. Pair with grilled salmon, spicy duck dishes and game. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 01/06)
2003 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($30). We liked this vintage better than the last — it offers more lush Pinot character. Deep red berry fruit is laced with an appealing balance of rich vanilla oak and smoky tobacco and earth notes. Long, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 06/05)
Wither Hills 2002 Pinot Noir Marlborough ($35). Loads of aromatic sweet vanilla and cherry flavors are smooth and velvety, picking up nicely integrated spices and toasty oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 09/05)
