Hot on its heels, the weekend of February 15-16 was Roam Central, a deep dive into all things Central Otago wine which boasted a similarly diverse, keen group of participants.
It is fitting then to showcase these Central Otago pinot noirs which are a pleasure to recommend.\
2023 Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir
Rating Outstanding
Beguiling perfume, florality
and savoury nuances,
wisps of tar and lead
pencil, an impression of
juiciness. That juicy quality
to the fore, fruit filling the
mouth, volume without
heaviness, intensity
without density with a
corset of fine tannins.
An almost tingly
freshness, darker fruits
and wild herb growing,
raspberry later. Great
balance, just so much
to like, potential too.
Classy.
2023 Monte Christo Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Power to the nose, initially
an earthy, ever so slightly
wild and funky hint that
adds to the complexity,
subsuming into the fruit
with air. The fruit is bold
and youthful, in the red-
fruit spectrum, fine
chewy tannins making
their presence felt yet
this has lovely
drinkability already.
Nice generosity &
flavour depth, savoury
aspects and great
length. Nicely done.
2023 Maude Kid’s Block Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Bright, youthful nose, mixed
red & dark fruits, wisps of
cherry, pencil shavings and
spice. An impression of
freshly squished berries
bring youthful fruit
sweetness, contrasted by
a zesty, tangy quality
and a tarry nuance on
the close. Bright & bold
while remaining fine
and medium-weight,
wonderful drinkability
that begs to be enjoyed
with abandon.
2023 Maude East Meets West Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Attractive florality, flowers
and rose petal, hints of
tilled earth & brambly
herbs, a backdrop of red
fruits. Fascinating palate
that offers a different
feel, youthful tension, a
stalky, herbal quality
running through the
wine (whole bunch?),
fine tannins, bright
acidity and a sweetly
fruited core. Perfume
grows on the nose.
Wonderfully
contemplative with a
lightness of being.
2023 Monte Christo Pisa Pinot Noir
Rating Excellent
Exudes power. Brooding fruit
qualities, almost berry
compote, savoury aspects,
spices, fruit pastille later.
The palate is more tightly
coiled, standing at attention
for now, needing time to
relax and unfurl. Evident
power & backbone,
hinting at what lies
ahead, yet to unveil all
its secrets. Bright acidity
on the close, now
opening up and
engaging. Time will be a
friend.
2023 Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir
Rating Outstanding
I’m drawn into the nose of
this, thyme, wild herbs, rose
petal, red and dark fruits,
savoury umami aspects,
every sniff reveals
something new. Youthful
and fresh, great energy and
vibrancy, manages a
combo of richness yet an
aerial quality. As it
opens, the powerful
tannins speak of the
intent and promise in the
cellar, yet boy, I’d like to
drink this now. The
flavours just hang in the
mouth. Superb.
