Amisfield Pinot Noir 2020

 

A beautiful Central Otago Pinot that glides through the mouth, this is a fabulous drink.

Dicey Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2019

 

A classic Central Otago Pinot Noir. There's depth and intrigue, layers and personality. A superb wine from Matt Dicey, formerly of Mt Difficulty fame.

Devil's Staircase Pinot Gris 2019

 

Rockburn's entry-level label is Devil's Staircase. Here we have a Pinot Gris from Central Otago.

Rockburn Pinot Gris 2019

 

We have a live one here! Pinot Gris in the zone.

Rockburn Pinot Noir 2019

 

Central Otago soils tell so many stories and each sub-region expresses itself beautifully. Gibbston, the first sub-region you hit heading out of Queenstown, is lean and skeletal. This is a fab drink with 15% of the fruit coming from that district. Big love for this Pinot. 

Devil's Staircase Pinot Noir 2019

The sub $30 Pinot Noir market is a tough one to nail. This entry-level wine from Rockburn goes okay.

Nanny Goat Queensberry Chardonnay 2020

 

Winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald has secured this site in Queensbury due to its unique terroir. The French use the word “terroir” to describe this, but the Kiwis use a Maori term “Turangawaewae” that is translated to “a place to stand” empowering connection to the land. Moving around the Central Otago district you can see the wines are a reflection of their soil and microclimates. This Queensberry Chardonnay is sublime!

Nanny Goat Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

 

This Chardonnay from Nanny Goat has just landed in Australia (quite literally). Big thanks to winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald and the Joval crew as it hits the trade this week. Although I've seen the Nanny Goat Pinots, this is the first time I've had the chance to sample one of the Chardonnays. I just learnt the first release was in 2012.

Wooing Tree Rosé 2018

 

Fleshy, weighty, this Rosé was pressed hard. This is a wine for evenings when the sun just falls from the sky and the cool breezes slide through.

Wooing Tree Blondie 2020

 

Summertime Pinot Noir. Nah, cancel that. Any time in the sun Pinot Noir is a better fit. Delicious deluxe. Go here with a big glass.

Maude Estate Pinot Gris 2019

 

Super fresh and delivering great width and length, this delicious Central Otago Pinot Gris awaits.

Nanny Goat Super Nanny Pinot Noir 2019

Wonderfully structured. Power and grace. Density with pretty factor. 

Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2018

An adorable precision makes its presence known with this Wooing Tree Pinot Noir.

Carrick Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2017

Stunning. Such a wonderful expression of Pinot Noir. 

Maude Estate Pinot Noir 2019

 

A stunning Pinot! I must disclose though, I was in the engine room in February 2020 when this was in the early stages of blending. To be a fly on the wall and to witness the discussions taking place as this was put together was just awesome.

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2020

This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. Readily available too, making this a go-to is not a silly idea - particularly when it is often priced around the $30 mark.

Wooing Tree Beetle Juice Pinot Noir 2018

 

Lounge bar beats, small plates of charcuterie and a glass of this set the scene for chillaxing quite well I feel.

Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir 2019

Playful and bright, this has some booty too. This is Carrick's entry-level Pinot made from the younger certified organic vines on the property.

Maude Pinot Noir 2018

 

Maude's entry level Pinot (and I use 'entry' loosely). This is an absolute ripper and super example of Central Otago Pinot at the right price. 

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2018

 

Deliciously savoury, this is a fabulous example of Central Otago Pinot Noir. In the words of winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald, "We aim for the fruit to express itself rather than working it hard to express itself."