4 Marlborough and Waipara Pinot Noir

Main Divide, Wither Hills, Forrest Estate, and Black Estate Pinot Noir (from left to right)

All of the attention these days is focused on Central Otago Pinot Noir, and whilst Central Otago bathes in glorious sunshine and beautiful vintage conditions it would be hard to think of anywhere else making world class Pinot in New Zealand.

So you’ve heard of Marlborough, but have you heard of Waipara, do you even know where it is?

Well for those that haven’t it’s just north of Christchurch. And god knows they need some good news, post earthquake!

These two regions don’t really need your sympathy though, although ideally they’d like you to buy their wares. For these regions, along with Martinborough, make some of the country’s best Pinot Noir. Sure Central has the scenery, it has a collectiveness, a great reputation, crikey, it even has some of the countries best winemakers, but neglect the other regions at your peril.

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2009 Waipara

The sister label of Pegasus Bay, but certainly a descent wine in its own right. Quite muscular, full bodied, and mouth filling. Bright acidity. Hint of spice and good finish.
86 Points
4 Stars
RRP $25

Wither Hills Taylor River Pinot Noir 2007 Marlborough

The first vintage of this single vineyard wine. Taylor River Pinot has vibrant masculine aromas. Hints of spice, red and broody black Autumnal fruit and bramble. Succulent on the palate with juicy ripe fruit.Balanced and well crafted. One of the brightest stars stars of the region.
91 Points
5 Stars
RRP $55

Forrest Estate Pinot Noir 2010 Marlborough

Deftly oaked, medium bodied, and has good energy. Good value is the essence behind this wine, and it certainly delivers. Good fruit. Bright and attractive with savoury notes. brisk acidity and tight tannins.
86 Points
4 Stars
RRP $25

Black Estate Pinot Noir 2010 Waipara

Attractive muscular aromas. Concentrated full on fruit, ripe red cherry fruitiness with savoury undertones. Very young and generous but will be more forgiving in a couple of years from now. Clean and with good promise.
88 Points
4 Stars
RRP $35

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Written by Jayson Bryant

Jayson’s roots in wine began when his father literally dragged him round France and injected his passion into him. From the age of 8 his family took month long holidays in France travelling through all regions and sampling their wine.
UnScrewed has reinvented the concept of wine tasting in New Zealand and along the way found a new and willing audience. In addition to encouraging straightforward wine tasting, Jayson educates viewers about the effects of regional factors (soil, sun, wind) on wine flavours, and how to buy wine.

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