Today Wines of New Zealand showcased 161 wines from all the major regions. Most of the Pinot Noirs were from the 2015 vintage though there were several 2014s and odd older vintages being poured as well.
I decided to focus my attentions on the reds today while fleetingly drifting in and out of the Sauvignon Blanc 2016s and Chardonnay 2015s to freshen my palate.
The below wines are my Top 10 scoring Pinot Noir reds… all worth buying!
Rich, ripe, sappy, stalky, concentration – 94/100Sweet berry fruits, dense, plush, impressive – 93+/100Reduced, complex, stony, graphite, v elegant – 93+/100Round, dense, plush, very pure concentration – 93/100Earthy, intense, sappy black fruit. Lovely – 92+/100Very rich, intense, vibrant fruit, complexity – 92+/100Dense texture, spice, sappy black fruit grip – 92+/100Rich but fresh, concentration, dark fruit, oak lick – 92/100Intense vibrant fresh wine, saline, cassis bite – 92/100Clean, pure, precise, fresh black berry, fine elegance – 91/100
Special mention for my “Alternative Red of the day”… the Hans Herzog Family Estate Wirau Valley Tempranillo 2012 at 14 Abv.
Rich, intense, sour cherry, spice laden, pithy, and vibrant – 93/100And lastly, my “New Discovery of the day” goes to the tantalising, Felton Road Vin Gris Pinot Noir Bannockburn 2016 at 14 Abv.
Spicy, red fruits, dried strawberries, tart acids and chiselled frame – 92/100Pinot Noir plantings by region 2015
Greg Sherwood MW 