It is possible to make money on wine if you buy the right producers, or get allocations of highly in demand wines, but patience and timing is key.
Arguably, there was a strong sellers market in NZ with auction sales 18 months to two years-plus ago, but things are well off that peak now, and in my opinion we just don’t have the size, diversity and maturity here of the auction markets overseas.
My own approach to wine ‘‘investment’’ is to invest in future drinking pleasure as I am one of those people that cellars wine. I love that added complexity as wines gain layers of flavour, the youthful tannins mellow and soften, acidity integrates, and I love the knowledge that wines I bought cheaply years ago may now cost so much more if I was to replace them.
I am uncommon in this hobby: whilst I’ve forgotten the precise figures, the amount of wine that is purchased to cellar is infinitesimal. Many prefer the ebullient richness of young wines and for me it’s horses for courses. There are times when I love the juicy brightness of young wines, at other times the complexity of aged bottles beckon.
Historically, finding mature wines to drink has necessitated investing in a cellar. Nowadays we do have three active auction houses in Auckland offering both local and international wines with the pricing subject to market forces.
Fortunately we also have a handful of wineries that actively hold back wine for later release (all kudos to them) and two of those producers are featured today. Get on their mailing lists if you wish to access these and/or future releases.
2013 Pegasus Bay
Aged Release Pinot Noir
Price RRP $70
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Perfume and spice,
dusty, earth/humus, a
touch of herb, fruit
coming out to play.
The fruit is still ticking
along nicely, joining
savoury nuances,
tilled earth and black
tea, which lends a
chewy note to the
close. Bright acidity
adds coolness.
Rugged and coiled
initially but opens up
incredibly, fruit
swelling, becoming
supple, plush and
ready for action.
2013 Grasshopper Rock
Earnscleugh Vineyard Pinot Noir
Price RRP $50
Rating Excellent
More colour shift, yet a
sense of freshness and
elegance, nicely
perfumed and
integrated. Detailed,
fine boned, the acidity
bright, tannins still an
influence, yet this is
together with a lovely
flow through the
mouth. The acidity a
touch more noticeable
with air lending
coolness to the close.
Perfectly in the slot to
enjoy now.
Release Prima Donna Pinot Noir
Price RRP $130
Rating Outstanding
Remarkably vibrant,
youthful colour.
Engaging nose, ripe
fruit framing wild herb
influences, smoke and
perfume. Rather nice.
Powerful, plum and
berryfruit, spices,
cranberry, rich and full,
long, long finish,
tannins underpinning
this. Super balance and
integration, purring
along but still gas in the
tank, delightful
chewiness, vibrancy
and energy. Singing in the glass!
