Pinot noir usually needs a year or two to show its best, so it's no wonder many of the 2013s in this tasting tasted better a day or two after they were opened when they'd mellowed and integrated a little.
BEST VALUE
$25
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A lighter style of pinot, this has attractive red fruits, a lively edge and a hint of astringency on the finish. It is named after the 1912 woolshed on Lindis River's vineyard.
lindisriver.co.nz
$35
Four stars
Good value
A charming wine with generous red fruits, a silky texture, underlying spicy oak, intensity and power, a bright intensity and attractive finish.
greylandsridge.co.nz
$39
Three and a half stars
Average value
A lively wine, displaying bright red fruits grounded by oak, fresh and textural, with a savoury, spicy undertone and a sweetness on the finish.
twodegrees.co.nz
$33
Four and a half stars
Good value
A youthful wine, tight and slightly raw at present, concentrated and powerful with a firm structure and fresh acidity. Give it time to develop.
maoripoint.co.nz
$45
Four and a half stars
Good value
Lovely dark, ripe cherry and berry fruit , concentrated and mouth-filling with savoury undertones, developing complexity, a superb balance and a long, spicy finish with firm tannins. Nicely integrated and harmonious at two years old but will continue to develop for several more.
ellerowine.com
$55
Four stars
Below average value
A youthful but stylish wine, oozing red and dark berries, hints of rhubarb and licorice, but also complex with spice, dark flavours, a lively hint of herbs and fine-grained tannins, and a long, charming finish.
lowburnferry.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Maori Point Grand Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
$45
Four stars
Average value
With lots of spicy oak, ripe dark fruit, cherries, raisins and a suggestion of dark chocolate, this barrel selection is impressively concentrated and powerful at this stage. Presented in a heavy bottle, this is a showy wine, almost over the top, for those who like massive pinot.
maoripoint.co.nz
