Tesco, Finest Pinot Noir, 2022, Central Otago, New Zealand
I think Tesco struck gold with their Finest Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand. This is a real treat. Dry and light it has plenty of subtle red fruit that dances on the palette. It’s got grace and style and although Decanter only gave it 91 points it’s a gold from me.
At £14 a bottle for such quality it’s great value. It stood up to steak very well but was excellent too on its own.
Bald Hills, Single Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2015, Central Otago, New Zealand
New Zealand Pinot Noir is some of the best in the world and this one from Bald Hills really shows class. Refreshing, light, red wine that’s very smooth and dry with lots of cherry and raspberry flavours with hints of strawberry. There’s some oak and chocolate and vanilla in there and earthiness which is refreshing, not overpowering and shows subtlety.
Sure it’s £25 a bottle but it’s worth it.
Amisfield, Breakneck, Pinot Noir, 2017, Central Otago, New Zealand
Another excellent Pinot Noir from New Zealand this ‘Breakneck’ from Amisfield is dry, smooth, with firm but well integrated tannins that makes this a joy to drink. Plenty of flavour with red cherry at the front and hints of oak, a subtle earthiness and all with long length.
Sure at £60 a bottle it’s not cheap but then again quality like this is often expensive. It’s a shame as many people won’t get to try it.
Amisfield, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2014, New Zealand
New Zealand Pinot Noir has a very good reputation and this 2014 from Amisfield shows why. There’s plenty of red and black fruit aromas and flavours with cherry being dominant but there are notes of chocolate, leather, coffee and an under lying earthiness to it all. Dry, smooth and quite light this is great on its own or with food, we had it with turkey and thought it paired very well.at £40 a bottle it’s not cheap.
First they did excellent Sav Blanc and now New Zealand do excellent Point Noir.
With notes on the nose of flora, roasted peppers and cherries with undertones of pepper and coco you get a sense that this is a fine Pinot Noir. Flavours are lighter than the aromas, red fruit and oak come through with a fair bit of acidity. The tannins are smooth and this makes it very enjoyable.
I would have liked to try it with food, chicken or beef but on its own its lovely. The only downside is the £20 price tag per bottle. Its the price you pay for New Zealand Pinot Noir but it will put many people off.
Mohua, Pinot Noir 2015, Central Otago, New Zealand
This was a winner of a Gold Medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2017 and a bronze medal winner from the 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards. The 2017 vintage of this got a Gold medal at the 2019 DWWA. The 2014 is better than bronze.
There’s ripe red fruit, cherries, plums with a vanilla and spice undertone. On the palate this wine has supple, soft tannins and a decant balance of dryness, fruit flavours and body.
The only issue I have with is the £30 price tag. Its very good but your only going be drinking this on special occasions. Thats a real shame as very people will get to try this.
Wooing Tree, Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, New Zealand LP
New Zealand does Pinot Noir as good as the best in the world. There is wonderful red fruit on the nose. It’s silky smooth, elegant and quite light, yet there are deep complex flavours with hints of dark berries with a touch of pepper and spices. Great levels of acidity, tannins excellent length and a perfect finish.
As you get the idea I loved this wine, I’m surprised it only got a silver medal at the IWSC, for me this is so Gold or above. The only downside is the price at over £30 a bottle which would put people off. Just do it, order it today.
Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago, New Zealand