Only two weeks after a Pinot Noir Tasting trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I find myself in New Zealand’s Central Otago region. As one of the world’s great Pinot Noir #win growing regions, I had no choice but increase my knowledge of these local varietals.
Luckily, I had an excellent plate of breads, meats and cheeses to help me make my way through a multitude of wines. So here’s the list of New Zealand Pinot Noirs from the Central Otago I tasted last night:
- 2012 Gibbston Valley School House: Full bodied, loved it, 90.
- 2012 Valli Gibbston Pinot Noir: Also full bodied and loved it, 90.
- 2012 Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir: Medium bodied, liked it, 88.
- 2010 Pasquale Pinot Noir: Full bodied, loved it, 90.
- 2009 Tarras Estate Pinot Noir: Zingy, spicy and warm, loved it, 91.
- 2011 Hawkshead First Vines Pinot Noir: Liked it, 88.
- 2011 Carrick Pinot Noir: Light bodied, didn’t like it.
- 2012 Mondillo Pinot Noir: Tasted like cough medicine.
- 2012 Alex Gold Pinot Noir: Big, bold, liked it, 89.
Since I was in Queenstown, I stuck to Pinots that were a little closer to home than the lighter bodied cousins from Marlborough. I barely scratched the surface and so I encourage you to explore all the wonderful wines Central Otago on the south island has to offer the next time you find yourself in this part of the world.
Rob
Wish I could have joined you