Firstly, the relatively low score for this wine is madness. I’ve long been an enthusiastic follower of this producer, their 07 and 09s being among the very best wines I tasted a few years back (12 and 13 IIRC). On to the present, and the 2014 presents right away in the glass as a unique offering - beyond the typical Pinot profile of cherry and earth is something like oyster shell - normally I wouldn’t make that stretch, but I ate oysters last night and the profile is fresh in mind. On the palate it is rather massive and full bodied, though in a dramatic, red fruit forward way. This is not a wine for kids, it’s grippy and dense, awash with pure cassis and black currant flavours, resolving into a medley of spices - cinnamon and dried coconut perhaps - and that yummy jasmine tea tannin I always find in good NZ Pinot. The finish is long and fascinating- you can suck the flavour off your gums. This one is full of stuffing and will drink superbly now or for at least five more years. Outstanding. Order off vintages shop online for $53 - appears to be sold out.
Firstly, the relatively low score for this wine is madness. I’ve long been an enthusiastic follower of this producer, their 07 and 09s being among the very best wines I tasted a few years back (12 and 13 IIRC). On to the present, and the 2014 presents right away in the glass as a unique offering - beyond the typical Pinot profile of cherry and earth is something like oyster shell - normally I wouldn’t make that stretch, but I ate oysters last night and the profile is fresh in mind. On the palate it is rather massive and full bodied, though in a dramatic, red fruit forward way. This is not a wine for kids, it’s grippy and dense, awash with pure cassis and black currant flavours, resolving into a medley of spices - cinnamon and dried coconut perhaps - and that yummy jasmine tea tannin I always find in good NZ Pinot. The finish is long and fascinating- you can suck the flavour off your gums. This one is full of stuffing and will drink superbly now or for at least five more years. Outstanding. Order off vintages shop online for $53 - appears to be sold out.
Aug 6th, 2018
Waipara, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand
