Jeroen Koenen

9.5

This ancient vineyard (planted from 1888 - 1895) carries roughly 26-29 varieties (who knows…?). The wine usually comprises about 50% of Zinfandel, also quite some Carignan, Mataro, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Furthermore, there are dollops of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Bouschet, Peloursin, Trousseau, Calmette… Just to name a few. The label proudly proclaims that this particular vintage was the 127th (!) year of existence of these vines and 19 different variaties were included in the blend.
When poured in a glass I notice a bright ruby semi-translucent colour with no signs of aging. A beautiful nose of dark fruit (cassis and plum), peppery oriental spice, vanilla, cigar, cedar, toasty oak and a hint of orangepeel.
The palate has sufficient acidity, medium-plus tannines and a long and distinguished finish.
A great wine, drinking at its peak.
@ 40€/btl, it has a fantastic QPR as well. — 4 days ago

Joshua Figg

9.2

Aromas of dark cherry and black licorice. Spicy but decadent on the palate. Bold and dry finish. Very nice. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Unmistakably Central Otago to my palate. Red plums and raspberries. 20% of the grapes were whole bunch. Also aged in 27% new oak. I must mention Neil Martin’s famous Quote, “ Whenever there is a tasting designed to challenge the supremacy of Burgundy, it is usually Felton Road that is ushered into the ring”. Very much on allocation these days and can be difficult to source. — 2 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.9

Young and fresh but showing many of the Dolinsek’s traditional traits: a big nose of blue and black fruits followed by a fruit forward wine of the same. It’s got bright acidity and firm tannins with a hint of black olive and pepper deeper in the wine. Drinking well now with loads of potential. — 4 months ago

Magnus Hovet

9.2

Really smooth. A lot more dark plums, and softer tannins. Earthiness, small amount of spice and looong aftertaste — 4 months ago

Ryan Colthorp

9.0

Super dark. Cocoa and baking spice on the nose. Plum. Stewed fruits. — 6 months ago

Chantelle M

8.9

Well balanced, robust but not overwhelming , not too sweet. — 7 months ago

Maggie Harrison

9.2

lifted. hunt or red floral- lavendar? medium tannins. high acid. fuller mid palate than Sonoma Coast. — 3 days ago

K Brooks

9.1

Still quite nice with roasted chicken breast. — 2 days ago

Steve Somermeyer

9.2

Opened a bottle 2 years ago & it was excellent but a bit of tannin bite on finish. Today this bottle retained the fruit aromas & palate feel but it’s finish softened so I found it bit better. — 2 months ago

Dave

8.9

Big, dark, fruity, dry and tannic. Will this even post? 🤞
Listening to Sublime — 3 months ago

Paul J

9.6

First Rose of the season! Always great! See previous notes and vintages. — 4 months ago

with Brooke and

JFP

9.5

Another great one from Brown. Enjoyed with an excellent prime rib end cut. Definitely looking for a repeat . — 5 months ago

Chris Blanchard

9.1

2023 vintage - it opened brighter than expected with bold ripe flavors and more fruit forward than expected. It was a nice surprise. After 30 minutes the flavors balanced a bit and tasted less bright and fruity and more balanced. The wife and I enjoyed the bottle. — 6 months ago

Tracy Byrnes

9.1

Vibrant acidity, citrus and melon. Refreshing on a hot summer day! — 14 days ago

Irish MASMS

9.4

Hey, a non mineral unoaked chardonnay
Some sweetness, fruity, grape flavor — 2 days ago

Norman

9.0

Ok. I found thin — a month ago

Big Wave Dave

9.6

Outstanding block 5. Much more concentration and power than precious vintages. Strawberry, raspberry, pepper, wood spice. The power of the very best from Central Otago but with an elegance.
Really great pinot.
— 2 months ago

Paul J

9.6

Held its own versus the 2018 Schrader and 2022 VHR. My friend blind tasted all three, got them all, but it was a struggle. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Hopefully Delectable will allow me to write a complete note. Here we go ….
Dark Ruby with a crimson rim. Closed on the nose initially. Straight from the bottle - should have decanted it. Rich on the palate. Latent power with much to give. Dark cherry with dried herbs still to come with further cellaring. This is the first of 5 bottles. In the early days Block 3 was the undisputed best Pinot in NZ but now Block 5 is considered along with other contenders from around NZ. Have the next one in a year. Many good judges think this is the best ever Block 3 up to this point. — 4 months ago