The Maude Reserve East Block Riesling won the Heritage Rose Bowl Trophy; this category introduced to "identify and reward wines that have evidenced a capacity to develop grace and complexity over time" with the recipient recognised for showing excellence for the same wine for more than a decade.
Adding to the Central tally was the 2019 Providore Pinot Noir, which secured the Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir.
Burn Cottage Hits 20
Yet another Central winery has hit the ripe old age of 20 with Burn Cottage reaching that milestone this year, celebrating planting their vineyard in Lowburn. They celebrated with a lunch, and dinner for their mailing list members.
New Kiwi Wine Classification
Bob Campbell MW and The Real Review have unveiled a new NZ wine classification. To qualify, wines must have a 10-year track record of reviews, with an ascending scale of 1, 2 or 3 Merits. The classification is designed to be fluid: individual wines may rise or fall according to their performance while newer wines reaching 10 vintages may also be included.
Across NZ, 25 wines made the top 3 Merits classification including six from Central Otago. Burn Cottage BCV Pinot Noir, Felton Road Blocks 3, 5 & Cornish Point Pinot Noirs along with their Block 1 Riesling and Block 2 Chardonnay.
Peter Munslow – RIP
Dunedin lost a wine identity with the sudden passing of Peter Munslow in November. Wine retailer, senior wine judge, keen wine options competitor, advocate for Central Otago wine and lover of flavour in both wine and food, Pete had a significant influence on Dunedin wine enthusiasts through his years at both The Robbie Burns and Munslow’s Fine Wines.
Pete has been my boss, colleague, mentor and friend: I’ll sorely miss his insight and infectious laugh.
2022 Misha’s Vineyard The Soloist Pinot Noir Rose
Rating Excellent
Mid rose. Attractive florality, white
flowers, roses, apple,
spice, strawberry with
aeration. Excellent
flavour intensity, ripely
fruited yet not sweet
adding peach to the
strawberry notes.
Supple, rounded
mouthfeel, flowing
quietly along the
palate, a minerally/
schisty influence
adding to the interest.
Aeration brings a
deeper register into
play; rather nice.
2022 Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Pale rose. Stonefruits,
florality, red apple,
subtlety yet elegance.
The texture is a treat,
richly creamy yet again
there’s delicacy and
elegance. Wonderful
balance, nicely filling
the palate, spice and
apple with an almost
peppery touch adding
zest to the finish.
Opens up on the nose
and palate as it takes
on some air. Drinking
superbly.
2022 Carrick Organic Bannockburn Pinot Noir Rose
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Orangey onion skin.
Berryfruits, redcurrants,
savoury influences, a
wisp of oyster shell. A
rush of salinity on the
palate flows to a deeper,
more savoury character.
Crunchy and juicy,
there’s a grainy aspect to
the texture too, with a hint
of hard candy bringing a
lick of sweetness to
contrast the savoury
tones. Fascinating, and
different expression that
grows in the glass.
