Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago

A rather unusual name for a wine, but then many are. Sitting at sub $35 makes this Central Otago Pinot Noir a very attractive proposition. Winner of numerous awards and accolades. The early vintages I struggled with, but that has changed. They are quickly developing notoriety and with good reason. The 2010 Pinot Noir was great value for money.

Based in Alexandra, along with other greats Two Paddocks, Judge Rock and Black Ridge. The wine is aged for 9 months in oak barriques and hand harvested fruit make for a wine with balance and structure. The fruit is ripe, as one would expect from a subregion of Central Otago with the warmest temperatures. There is a purity also.

The plum colouring in the glass resplendent. The warm blackberry and spice overtones tip their hat towards Central Otago. The mouthfeel is indeed pleasant, balanced, and lacking the traditional Central Otago high alcohol after burn. The tannins are silky smooth, but noticeable. Already drinking well, there’s definitely some cellaring potential for the next 5 years. Bang for buck it’s a great wine from Central Otago.

89 Points
4 Stars
RRP $35

Powered By DT Author Box

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.

Author’s Website

Follow this author on Twitter