Southern wines of the week
When many New Zealanders are enjoying the sun on Greek beaches, Spanish cities or London streets, winemakers in the deep south are releasing new wines during the coldest months of winter. By 'deep south', I am referring to Central Otago - one of the southernmost wine regions in the world.
This week's trio of new releases comes from a small producer with a high quality focus - Coal Pit Wines.
The winery and home vineyard are tucked away at the top of a dramatic driveway in Gibbston Valley, Central Otago. It's one of the most beautiful corners of the wine world and the wines are exceptional in quality but so small in volume that the flagship Pinot Noir has now been joined by two more Pinot Noirs from slightly further afield - Bannockburn and Bendigo; both in Central Otago.
This trio of wines is an expression of the diversity of Central Otago Pinot Noir and represents growth from Coal Pit Wines.
These wines all drink well now but can be cellared with confidence for seven to eight years. They each suggest a different aspect of the climate zones across Central, marrying seductive southern fruit aromas with plush suppleness in wines with complexity now and ability to age.
2023 Coal Pit Tiwha Pinot Noir RRP $85
Hand picked grapes were fermented with wild yeasts and 20% whole bunch fermentation adding the classic structure and savoury aromas that have long characterised the best Gibbston Valley Pinot Noirs. This wine comes from Coal Pit's home vineyard in Gibbston, where the cool nights on the elevated site bring a consistent rich thread of acidity, which lends length of flavour and freshness. It's medium bodied with subtle earthy aromas suggesting more complexity to come in this bold and bright fruit forward wine. It has potential to develop favourably for seven to eight years, thanks to impressive structural qualities. 19/20
2024 Coal Pit Bendigo Pinot Noir RRP $70
This is the third release of Coal Pit Wines' Bendigo Pinot Noir and it's made entirely from hand picked grapes which were fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks and given daily foot treading to extra the impressive deep ruby colour in this powerful Pinot Noir. It was pressed to French oak (25% new) following fermentation where its dark cherry scented aromas are joined by hints of cocoa, and fresh wild thyme. The palate is full with dense fruit wrapped in firm tannins and vibrant acidity threading its way through this bold and structured Pinot Noir. This new release can be cellared with confidence or enjoyed now in a proper Pinot Noir glass, please. 18.5/20
2024 Coal Pit Bannockburn Pinot Noir RRP $70
This wine is a Cellar Club exclusive made from hand picked Bannockburn grapes that are organically grown and fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel with foot treading. The power in this wine comes from its rich perfumed fruit aromas and notes of floral rose held in a supple, smooth wine with a powerful core of firm tannin suggesting it will age well for seven to eight years. It's also a superb drinking now - begging to be decanted and served in a proper Pinot Noir glass. 18.5/20
Learn more and buy direct from Coal Pit Wines.
