Decanter Magazine - the route to all good wine

Latest issue
Subscribe
Renew online
Buy Decanter:
In the UK
In the US
Find your nearest
UK newsagent

Advertisements
Free Newsletters
Keep up to date with our FREE daily news alerts and monthly newsletters including decantertrade
Shopping Mall

Retailers
UK and Europe
Worldwide
Shopping
Property
Recruitment
Books
Accessories & Gifts
Storage & Refrigeration
Tourism

Learning Route
Free tasting kit
Links
Wine courses
Wine clubs
The basics
Wine terminology - grapes
How do they taste?
Glossary
Wine Investment
Features
2009 Harvest reports
Burgundy 2007
Bordeaux 2008
Book reviews
Am I a great vintage?
Bordeaux En Primeur
Other Features
Events reports
Events slideshows
Decanter contributors
For the facts about alcohol Drinkaware.co.uk

All wines


Recommendations > Decanter panel tasting (Sept 08): New Zealand Pinot Noir > All wines


Wooing Tree, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Raspberry and complex hints of undergrowth. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Liquorice and violet on finish. Drink from 2008. (15.67 points)
£20.95 New Zealand Wine Distribution (0870 240 7460)

Old Coach Road, Pinot Noir, Nelson 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Strawberries and earthy, complex character. Dry, light and developed. Red, long finish. Drink from 2008 (14.75 points)
£11.99 Celtic Wines (01646 681 369), Corks Out (0161 881 9663)

Tuatara Bay, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Some interesting flavours here, nice oak and well balanced overall. Drinks well now. Drink from 2008. (14.75 points)
£8.49 Avery’s of Bristol (01275 811 100)

Huia, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Earthy, undergrowth, violets, citrus. Very spicy oak on entry. Jammy fruit, berries, redcurrants. long and smooth. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£16.05 DJ Foodfare, Barnes, London (020 8748 5974), Hudson’s, London SW18 (020 8871 3451), The Sampler, Islington (020 7226 8500)

Muddy Water, Pinot Noir, Waipara 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Quite sweet fruit. Some lovely raspberry fruit, silky texture, with a backbone of tannin. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£19.49 Corney & Barrow branches (020 7265 2400)

Ostler, Caroline's Pinot Noir, Waitaki Valley 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Quite rich, vegetal and raspberry fruit. A hint of oak. Some tannins, with good fruit, quite full. Quite fleshy. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£24.50 Berry Bros & Rudd, London SW1 (0870 900 4300)

Peregrine, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Floral, black fruit. Very silky tannins, black plum, sandalwood. Marred by high alcohol and hot finish. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£18-20 Smokehouse Wines, Cheshire (01625 540 123), Stone, Vine & Sun, Winchester (01962 712 351), Wines of the World, London (020 8947 7725), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Two Paddocks, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Weak, floral, cherries. Spicy oak dominates finish, but nice black cherry fruit on attack. Firm, chewy tannins. Fresh. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£15.60 Haynes, Hanson & Clark, Glocs (01451 870808) or London (020 7259 0102)

Vidal, Reserve Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Oxidised nose. Fresher palate with ripe, juicy mouthful. Bitter, longevity. Drink from 2008. (14.67 points)
£13.11 Haynes, Hanson & Clark, Glocs (01451 870808) or London (020 7259 0102)

Astrolabe, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Strawberries and notes of vanilla. Dry, ripe and balanced with rich acidity. lovely fruit and smooth texture. Long finish. Drink from 2008. (14.6 points)
£16.95-19.99 Conrad Wines (01883 330191), The New Zealand House of Wine, Haslemere (0800 085 6273 / www.nzhouseofwine.com), Sommeliers Wine Co, Guernsey (01481 721 677), Winehound, Guildford (01483 212 820 / www.winehound.co.uk)

The Crossings Estate, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Characterful, cinnamon nose, youthful. Fresh, lively palate, juicy, supple fruit, cherry ripe tannins, medium length. Drink from 2008. (14.5 points)
£11 Morgan, London (020 7722 0011)

Te Mania, Pinot Noir, Nelson 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Quite rounded, some fleshy fruit. Quite textured. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£13.50 New Zealand Wine Distribution (0870 240 7460)

Borthwick Estate, Pinot Noir, Borthwick Vineyard, Wairarapa 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Fresh; raspberries and sour cherries. lovely texture and elegant fruit. long silky finish. Drink from 2008. (14.8 points)
£13.25 John Armit Wines, London W11 (020 7908 0600)

Alana Estate, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Quite firm, concentrated nose. A good concentration of fruit, textured layers and tannin. Drink from 2010. (15.33 points)
£19.95 Berry Bros & Rudd, London SW1 (0870 900 4300)

Whitestone Wines, Pinot Noir, Waipara 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Full-bodied, youthful and rich with grippy texture and long red, fruit at finish. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£13.99-15.99 Lawrence Wine Merchants, London SE4 (020 8692 1550), Waipara Wines (www.waiparawines.co.uk / 020 7635 9291)

Voss Estate, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Very full, ripe, alcoholic, dark, soupy. Possibly a touch jammy for some. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£14.99 Thresher branches (01707 387 200), Wine Rack, branches (01707 387 200)

Staete Landt, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Big, ripe fruit and floral. Silky textured, full of ripe summer berry fruit, sweet oak and touch of minerality. long, fresh. Drink from 2008. (15.33 points)
£15-17 www.everywine.co.uk, Genesis Wines, London SW1 (020 7963 9060), XXXXXXXXXXx, Wheeler Cellars (01206 713 560)

Olssens, Jackson Barry Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Restraint, fresh, perfumed, violet, vibrant nose. Some sweet, oak-dominant flavours and tannins. Juicy, fragrant finish. Drink from 2008. (15.33 points)
£20.50 New Zealand Wine Distribution (0870 240 7460)

Martinborough Vineyard, Te Tara Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Dried berry fruits. Closed. Big, firm tannins, balanced, long, suggestion of fruit and minerality. Drink from 2010. (15.33 points)
£12-15 Harrods, London SW1 (020 7730 1234), Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537)

Framingham, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Light, bright strawberries and notes of vanilla. Dry, lovely bright fruit and round velvety texture, well integrated oak and long finish. Drink from 2008. (16.67 points)
£12-15 Les Caves de Pierre, London N5 (020 7354 1994), XXXX

Stockman's Station, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Rounded nose, a lot of depth. Rounded, vegetal, textured palate. Good fruit, but quite alcoholic. Drink from 2008. (16.75 poihnts)
£12.99 Tesco supermarkets (01992 632 222)

Gravitas, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Fresh watermelon and fig. Very spicy oak, but well integrated. Baked raspberries and a caramel note on finish. Drink from 2008. (15.33 points)
£15-20 Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537), The New Zealand House of Wine, Haslemere (0800 085 6273 / www.nzhouseofwine.com), Quaff Fine Wine Merchant, Hove (01273 820 320)

Bald Hills, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Charming, scented nose, lively and fine. Plump, full, juicy ripe fruit, wonderful purity and peristent length. Drink from 2008. (16.5 points)
£24.95-26.95 Conrad Wines (01883 330191), The New Zealand House of Wine, Haslemere (0800 085 6273 / www.nzhouseofwine.com), Winehound, Guildford (01483 212 820 / www.winehound.co.uk)

Tarras, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Powerful nose, and palate to match. Very long, with great fruit, but some lovely overtones. Drink from 2008. (16.5 points)
£20.50 New Zealand Wine Distribution (0870 240 7460)

Lake Chalice, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Lilac and raspberry. Intense, ripe, jammy raspberry fruit. High acid, but rounded, smooth tannins. Oak rather noticeable, will integrate. Long. Drink from 2009. (16.67 points)
£11.99-13.99 The New Zealand House of Wine, Haslemere (0800 085 6273 / www.nzhouseofwine.com), Weavers, Nottingham (0115 958 0922)

Mondillo, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Toasty, coffee, citrus oak and loads of raspberries. Very intense and balanced with round texture, still vibrant tannins and long at finish. Drink from 2009. (16.5 points)
£25 Hellion Wines, Wigan (07765 472 263)

Neudorf, Tom's Block Pinot Noir, Nelson 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Great balance of fruit power, oak, acid and alcohol. Fine, long finish. Drink from 2008. (16.25 points)
£14-17.49 Richards Walford, Lincs (01780 460 451), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Matariki, Pinot Noir, Hawkes Bay 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Dry, elegant, young with time on its side. Some lovely tertiary tastes in there. Drink from 2010. (16.5 points)
£13.99 Avery’s of Bristol (01275 811 100)

Sandihurst, Pinot Noir, Canterbury 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Pronounced cherries and notes of vanilla oak. Rich, full, youthful and intense with raspberries and strawberries. Very long, rich finish. Drink from 2010. (16.5 points)
n/a UK Tel 0064 334 782 69

Burnt Spur, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Vegetal hints on nose. Ditto on palate. Layered, vegetal fruit and some tannins, quite silky on edges. Drink from 2008 (16.4 points)
n/a UK Tel 0064 6306 9955

Culley, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Bright, with notes of strawberries and touch of vanilla. Lovely, bright fruit and lovely, intelligent use of oak. Long finish. Drink from 2008. (16.25 points)
£8.95-10.49 Bacchanalia, Cambridge (01223 576 292), Jascots, London NW10 (020 8965 2000), Terry Platt Wines, N Wales (01492 592 971), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Asda Extra Special Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Earthy, discreetly spicy nose. Muscular, firm style, ripe fruit to balanced, persistent fruit, harmonious. Drink from 2008. (16.25 points)
£9.98 Asda Supermarkets (0113 243 5435)

Clos Henri, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Full, round, very solid. Lots of substance. Plain fruit without complexity. Needs five years. Drink from 2008. (16.33 points)
£17-20 Les Caves de Pierre, London N5 (020 7354 1994)

Hunter's, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Attractive and serious, notes of black fruit, black olive and herbs. Quite concentrated and chunky, richly textured. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£12.49 Laithwaites (0870 444 8383)

Auntsfield, Hawk Hill Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Seductive, ripe, red fruits, high-quality new oak. Superb texture, real purity, long fresh finish, beautifully structured. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£14.95-18.99 Clarion Wines (020 8747 2069), Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537), Weavers, Nottingham (0115 958 0922), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Valli Estate, Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Ripe, sweet fruit, lacks complexity for greatness, but still an excellent wine. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£24.99 Cadman Fine Wines, Northampton (www.cadmanfinewines.co.uk)

Southbank Estate, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Evolved mature aromas of undergrowth and spice, but still fresh. Tight tannins, long finish with really lovely violet notes. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£12.50 Halifax Wine Company (01422 256 333), Mentzendorff, London SE1 (020 7840 3600)

Opawa, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Light nose. Quite rounded, easy fruit. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£8.99 Negociants UK, Herts (01582 462 859), White Vin Man, Sissinghurst (01580 712 826)

Montana, Terraces Estate Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
A hint of oak and raspberry. Quite firm, structured palate, some fresh raspberry fruit, some tannic layers, youthful. Drink from 2008. (16 points)
£13.99 Wine Rack, branches (01707 387 200)

Wither Hills, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Very solid, big, deep-coloured wine. Good length and balance, oak well-done and plenty here to savour. Drink from 2008. (15.75 points)
£14.95-18.35 Bacchanalia, Cambridge (01223 576 292), DJ Foodfare, Barnes, London (020 8748 5974), Hudson’s, London SW18 (020 8871 3451), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Marks & Spencer, Clocktower Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Toasty new oak, herby, dense fruit. Full, muscular, rich style, velvety , texture, and ripe, muted structure. Drink from 2008. (15.75 points)
£10.99 Marks & Spencer stores (020 7935 4422)

Dog Point Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Developing black cherries and nuances of oak. Smooth texture, firm acidity. Good fruit extraction. Long finish. Drink from 2008. (15.75 points)
£18.95 The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Black Ridge, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Elegant, balanced. Good length, not too alcoholic, great fruit, getting close to being very good. Drink from 2008. (15.75 points)
sold out Hellion Wines, Wigan (07765 472 263)

Saint Clair, Pioneer Block 14 Pinot Noir, Doctor's Creek, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Rich, concentrated style, vibrant mid-weight colour. Intense fruit-of-the-forest aromas with spicy oak. Drink from 2008. (15.67 points)
£17.99 H M Hatch Mansfield, Berks (01344 871 800)

Rippon, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Rounded nose, oak and vegetal hints. Quite a solid palate, oak dominant with some fruit underneath. Could develop. Drink from 2010. (15.67 points)
£21.95 (2004) Lea & Sandeman, branches (020 7244 0522)

Jackson Estate, Gum Emperor Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Vibrant, youthful, purple, elegant style with concentrated raspberry, cherry and spicy aromas. Dense, complex finish. Drink from 2008. (15.67 points)
£19.99 www.bintwo.com, Wadebridge Wine (01208 812 692)

Chard Farm, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Quite rounded nose. Medium-weight fruit. Tannin quite balanced. Silky, pure tannins to develop. Drink from 2010. (15.67 points)
£17.99-18.99 The Cellar Door, Overton (01256 770 397), Clarion Wines (020 8747 2069), Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537), Weavers, Nottingham (0115 958 0922)

Stoneleigh, Rapaura Series Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Perfumed, fine nose, wonderful red fruit. Round, smooth, concentrated mid-palate fruit, youthful. Drink from 2008. (15.5 points)
£13.99 Pernod Ricard (020 8538 4529/0800 376 5550), Soho Wine Supply, London (020 7636 8490)

Belmonte, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Subtle and complex nose of crushed black cherry and blackberry. Attractive and pure Pinot fruit. Soft tannins. Drink from 2008. (15.6 points)
£11.49 virginwines.com

Seresin Estate, Raupo Creek Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Solid, powerful wine with good length. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£21.95 John Armit Wines, London W11 (020 7908 0600)

Seresin Estate, Leah Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Pale intensity of colour, intense and spicy, ripe aromas of red cherries and fruits of the forest. lovely depth. Delicious. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£14.95-15.95 John Armit Wines, London W11 (020 7908 0600), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)

Jules Taylor Wines, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Intense and fresh primary aromas of ripe raspberries and sweet spices. Silky, tight tannins. long and complex finish. Drink from 2009. (15 points)
£13.50 Decorum Vintners, London (020 8969 6581)

Vavasour, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Powerful with plenty of body and alcohol. Still young and all to play for. Needs time. Drink from 2010. (15.20 points)
£10.99-11.99 Hayman, Barwell Jones, Suffolk (01473 232 322) and London SE1 (020 7922 1610), Longford Wines mail order (01273 400 012)

Distant Land, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Intense canned raspberries and sweet oak. Ripe berries, mushrooms, earthy, tealeaves. Firm, ripe tannins. Drink from 2008. (15 points)
£11.99 Giacopazzi & Sons (www.giacopazziwine.com), Henderson Wines, Edinburgh (0131 447 8580), Stratford’s Wine Agencies, Berks (01628 810 606)

Babich, Pinot Noir, East Coast 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Quite fresh raspberry fruit. Light, fresh fruit. A refreshing wine. Drink from 2008. (15.20 points)
£8.99 Budgens Stores (020 8422 9511), Justerini & Brooks, London SW1 (020 7484 6400)

Mount Riley, Seventeen Valley Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Lots of interesting things happening here. Not too fruity or powreful. Great finish. Drink from 2008. (17 points)
£22.99 Patriarche Wine Agencies, London SW6 (020 7381 4016)

Julicher, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Toasty French oak and lots of raspberries. Intense fruit, driven lovely acidity and silky texture. Drink from 2008. (16.65 points)
£18.39 Laithwaites (0870 444 8383)

Stoneleigh, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

starstarstarstarstar
Quite, fresh raspberry notes. Some tannin and acidity, very good fruit, quite fresh. Youthful, medium weight. Drink from 2008. (15.33 points)
£8.04-8.99 Thresher branches (01707 387 200), Waitrose supermarkets (0800 188 884)

Coal Pit, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Very full, powerful palate with great ripe fruit and a fine, long finish. Drink from 2008. (15.25 points)
n/a UK Tel 0064 213 627 73

Quartz Reef, Pinot Noir, Bendigo Estate Vineyard, Central Otago 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Spicy oak and developed aromas. Touch of tar. Palate is big and rich, oaked and powerful, but full of character. Drink from 2008. (15.25 points)
£25.99 Wheeler Cellars (01206 713 560)

Foxes Island, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Appealing, quite fragrant nose of concentrated red fruit, smoke and toast. Polished style with lovely balance of lush red fruit, ripe silky tannins and well integrated oak. Drink from 2008. (17 points)
£19.50 Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537), Playford Ross, N Yorks (01845 526 777)

Te Mania, Reserve Pinot Noir, Nelson 2005

starstarstarstarstar
Summer pudding. Full of ripe fruit: strawberry and redcurrant. Smoky, mineral, smooth and long. Drink from 2008. (17.33 points)
£16.95 New Zealand Wine Distribution (0870 240 7460)

Hawksburn Terrace, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Rounded nose and a touch of oak. Elegant rounded palate, nicely structured, balanced fruit and tannin. Drink from 2008. (17.67 points)
£15.85 Fresh & Wild, London W11 (020 7229 1063), XXXX, www.winebuythecase.com

Martinborough Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Terrace, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Huge power on the attack, which persists to the end. Some complex notes on the finish. Drink from 2008.
£23-25 Harrods, London SW1 (020 7730 1234), Harvey Nichols, London SW1 (020 7201 8537)

Judge Rock, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Quite appealing vegetal, spicy nose. Quite full and fleshy, some ripe fruit, textured layers, some depth. A tannic streak. Drink from 2008.
N/A UK Tel 0064 344 850 59

Thornbury, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Floral, bright fruit quality, some complexity. Fresh, lively style, herby too, refined and pretty with good length. Stylish. Drink from 2008.
£14.50-15.99 Denby Dale Wines, Barnsley (01484 865 222), The Sampler, Islington (020 7226 8500), www.WineSmart.com

Schubert, Block B Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Dense, rich and ripe aromas of sun-kissed red cherries with vanilla notes. Well-integrated oak with silky fruit tannins. Aromatic and fragrant finish. Fresh acidity. Complex and above varietal. Drink from 2008.
£27.95-29.99 Conrad Wines (01883 330191), The New Zealand House of Wine, Haslemere (0800 085 6273 / www.nzhouseofwine.com), Swig, London W4 (0800 0272 272), Winehound, Guildford (01483 212 820 / www.winehound.co.uk)

Wycroft, Old River Terrace Pinot Noir, Wairarapa 2006

starstarstarstarstar
Herbal, sage and onion. Savoury, herbal, black cherry. Very smooth and light. Long, fruity, elegant finish. Drink from 2008.
£21.99 Cadman Fine Wines, Northampton (www.cadmanfinewines.co.uk)
Advertisements
Shopping directory
Poll
Does 'organic' on a wine label matter?
To comment on this month's poll email editor@decanter.com

Decanter worldwide

Chinese
Hungarian

Sister sites

House to Home
Country Life
Horse & Hound
The Field
Shooting UK
Homes & Gardens
Ideal Home
Yachting and Boating World
All IPC Media sites

Contact Us

Editorial...support...
sales...marketing...
Decanter media pack

Contact us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Trusted Reviews
© Copyright 2010 IPC Media Limited, All rights reserved