Whatever the case I have been awash with pinot noir (which is a good thing!) and the all South Island collection today is collated from a number of tasting sessions.
2021 Ara Resolute Marlborough Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Raspberry fruit to the
fore, perhaps
blackcurrant too,
wild herb/leafy
notes, a perfumed
quality building over
time. The fruit leads
the way here, herb
and lavender
elements in a
supporting role,
nicely balanced and
integrated. Nothing
stands out because
nothing is out of
place, tannins
evident yet not
dominating.
2017 Giesen Ridge Block SVS Marlborough Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Pale and developed
colour suggests age,
perfume, dried herbs,
subtle yet elegant,
forest floor nuances
later. Fascinating
palate, a sense of
lightness initially yet
there’s deceptive depth
and power lurking with
tannins that show their
mettle. Red fruited,
strawberry, perhaps
plum, a tangy element,
developing
crunchiness too. More
about the structure
than the fruit.
2022 Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Quite perfumed,
flirting with rose petal
and musk, savoury
notes and barrel
spice, raspberry fruit
building, woodsmoke
with aeration. Initially
subtle but rather
engaging, quietly
building, still showing
a little youthful
rambunctiousness,
raspberry again,
earthiness, oak hints,
the tannins beginning
to flex their muscles.
Just beginning to
unfurl, nice pinosity.
2022 Montana M Waipara Pinot Noir
Rating Very Good
Immediately different,
smoke and gunflint,
toffeed oak notes red
fruits. Those
characters are echoed
on the palate, the red
fruits at the core of the
wine adding a dash of
spice. Still some
grippy tannins
emphasising its
youthfulness; they get
the juices flowing. Not
hugely complex, but
nicely fruit driven and
approachable. Very
affordable.
2019 Giesen Clayvin Marlborough Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Dustiness, earthy
touches, minerality,
fruit in support, a
perception of
richness. Richly
fruited palate, nice
depth here, fruit-sweet
yet dry, supple yet
good tannic core,
silky at first and then
nicely chewy. A
powerful and brooding
wine that clearly has
some development
but teases us with
further potential. A
bolder expression and
nicely done.
2019 Carrick Excelsior Bannockburn Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Fascinating Marmitey/
umami aspect, savoury
flecks, iron filings,
earthy/humus, perfume
quietly building. Quite a
different expression,
wisps of balsamic and
warm leather, savoury
notes, red fruits and
lightness to this, yet a
surprising tannic grip.
A grainy quality to the
texture with a
wonderful carry,
creeps up on me. Not
so much fruit-driven,
than by the complexity
and interest.
