Scout Waipara Pinot Noir 2020

 

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.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2017

 

From the North Canterbury region's first winery, this Pinot is a beauty. Most Pinots from the Waipara district are a little leaner and juicier but Pegasus Bay has been able to demonstrate some power with a graceful touch.

Norwester by Greystone Pinot Noir 2016

Off the retail shelves, this 2016 is still about despite the 2017 being the current release. A good wine to tuck into for those who like a Pinot that's not too sophisticated but has some depth.

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2015

Having spent a few days in New Zealand's Waipara district a few months ago, my love for Pinot from this region was rekindled. This second tier label release from Pegasus Bay is a beauty!

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2016

Take a bow. An excellent Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Waipara region.

Pegasus Bay Vergence Red 2017

Pegasus Bay's General Manager Paul Donaldson, the youngest of the family, was kind enough to walk me through their range of wines on a recent trip to New Zealand. Vergence, he tells me, is when the pupils of the eyes look outwards in opposite directions before focusing. I'm still trying to nail that one. Here's a 100% whole bunch, carbonic and naturally fermented Pinot Noir.

Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2016

Such a fabulous Chardonnay from New Zealand's Wairapa region. There's great depth and drive here yet it feels unforced.

Pegasus Bay Estate Malbec 2017

I wasn't expecting to come across a Malbec when in the Waipara district, and here we are. A pretty handy wine this is too.

Pegasus Bay Estate Pinot Noir 2016

Damn I enjoyed this. An expressive and inviting Pinot Noir. I even grabbed one for the road.

Pegasus Bay Estate Chardonnay 2017

Chardonnay in the zone. A rock solid drink from the Waipara district.

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon 2017

As summer draws to a close, here's a tidy wine to help you ride into Autumn.

Luna Estate Eclipse Chardonnay 2018

I was in Wellington recently and it was suggested that I head to the Noble Rot Wine Bar - what a place! A smart list coupled with clever food and cool vibes, I was just smitten. I ordered a glass of this Chardonnay off the list, and then another. A fabulous drink from Martinborough and then some.

The Bone Line Bare Bone Chardonnay 2016

Head off the main track and down Georges Road in the Waipara region to find The Bone Line. This Chardonnay is a beauty and shows once again that this region is one that deserves more kudos than it is given.

Georges Road Williams Hill Pinot Noir 2018

Such a pretty wine from the Waipara region. Only 45 minutes north of Christchurch, it's a region that doesn't get the respect it deserves.

Georges Road Cuvée 43 Syrah 2016

From a warm Waipara vintage comes this Syrah.