I traveled to Waipara in February 2020 and fell in love with the place. Less than an hour from Christchurch airport, we found a cozy place to stay at Georges Road winery. The Wine Pod is brilliant. Go there with your loved one.
What struck me about Waipara is the finesse of the wines. Pinot rages on in this district (like most in New Zealand), but Waipara Pinot is different. It really speaks to me. There is some depth yet it possesses a salivating medium-bodied appeal. The fruit isn't overly dense yet has some carry. There is some vitality about the wine too, not to mention the soils that hum along in the background. This Pinot Noir from Scout is a ripper.
I didn't come across Scout in my travels, mind you, but I have since heard nothing but great things. Given the fact Waipara wines are hard to get your hands on in Australia due to Central Otago and Marlborough hogging the stage, when I heard a whisper something exciting out of the district was on offer in Australia I jumped on it. Naturally, I bought 6 - why not?
Sourced from the Black Estate vineyards, this unfurled beautifully in the glass. It's soft (12.5%) but lands a good hip and shoulder with enough grunt to stand its ground. Dark cherries and dried red flowers reach out early. Some blue flowers make a play too. Mandarin peel and some undergrowth caress the generous fruit but it's the tannins that steal the limelight. They're plump and ready for a good time. Little pillows of pleasure seemingly coat the palate leaving a chalky-like finish that persists much longer than expected. You get a sense you are on the smooth rails of a rollercoaster, and just as the finish arrives, you want to release the harness and race back into the queue for another sip. Yeah, that. I'm pleased I have another five to go back for.
Drink to five years+
94/100
Region: Waipara, NZ
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