To say it's been a Pinot Noir week is an understatement. It has been a Pinot month as I have been immersed in thoughts, tastes and the incredibly diverse range of styles of Pinot Noir in New Zealand today, in preparation for the annual Drinksbiz Pinot Noir Report. The contents of which remain under wraps until the magazine is printed and in the hands of the wine, food and beverage industry in this country, within the next week or two.
There have been far more Pinot Noirs to taste, rate, review and consider than I was able to include in the Drinksbiz report, so I will be progressively writing about the best of the rest - and ranking my top Pinot Noirs of the year.
This wine of the week represents a Pinot Noir that, at first sip, seems lithe and light, but which unfolds into a layered, lithe and incredibly lovely wine with great longevity on its side - it was open over four days for tasting comparatively and revisiting.
Read this space for more Pinot Noir updates in September.
Wine of the week
18.5/20
2023 Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir RRP $49
This Central Otago Pinot Noir is playful and seemingly light, revealing its focus in a layered wine with a silky backbone of vibrant fruit that keeps it accessible in taste as the first bright red cherries dance across the palate. This primary fruit is supported by a juicy structure of freshness that keeps flavours playful but grounded. In the glass, the colour is a gorgeous deep ruby hue, with aromas of fresh dark cherries, black currant, plums, a whiff of cedar and a sprinkle of wild thyme, for good measure.
The bottom line? This Pinot Noir drinks beautifully now, showing finesse and appealing flavours but it is also clearly built to go the distance of 10+ years.
