The Tasting Panel magazine

October 2017

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48  /  the tasting panel  /  october 2017 BLUE REVIEWS T his is the final installment of my reviews of current New Zealand Pinot Noirs. There's no doubt that the country that made itself known for Sauvignon Blanc has officially arrived as one of the world's great Pinot Noir producers as well. —Anthony Dias Blue 93 Astrolabe 2015 Province Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($28) Smooth and bright with elegant, ripe berry fruit; dense and complex; long, deep, and balanced. SHARE A SPLASH WINE CO. 88 Brancott Estate 2016 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15) Fresh, clean, and tangy with lively acidity and juicy style; crisp and long; charming at a great price. PERNOD RICARD USA 91 Clos Henri 2016 Petit Clos Estate Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20) From Henri Bourgeois of Sancerre fame. Pale ruby color ; silky and elegant with a smooth, lush style; earthy and generous with cherry fruit and good balance. CHAMBERS & CHAMBERS WINE MERCHANTS (CA); MONSIEUR TOUTON (NY, NJ MID-ATLANTIC); SLOCUM & SONS (CT); THE WINEBOW GROUP (GA, FL, SC) 92 Craggy Range 2016 Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand ($25) One of New Zealand's consistently excellent producers. Mellow with juicy, ripe cherry notes; fresh, zesty, and long. KOBRAND CORPORATION 95 Felton Road 2015 Block 5 Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand ($100) Rich crimson color ; dense with rich cherry fruit and tangy acidity; elegant, balanced, and complex; the father of Kiwi Pinot; deep and stunning. YOUNG'S MARKET CO. (CA, HI); C'EST VIN (DC, MD, VA); MARTIN SCOTT WINES (NY, NJ) 90 Glover Family Vineyards 2015 Zephyr Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20) Bright ruby hue; smooth and savory with cherry notes; clean, fresh, and long. MASSANOIS, LLC 90 Hillersden 2014 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($21) Tangy and crisp with rounded, bright cherry fruit; balanced with a lengthy finish. HILLERSDEN WINES USA 94 Martinborough Vineyard 2014 Home Block Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand ($65) The first winery to plant Pinot in Martinborough; dense and smooth with lush cherry and an elegant structure; long, rich, and complex. FOLEY FAMILY WINES 92 Neudorf Vineyards 2015 Tom's Block Pinot Noir, Nelson, New Zealand ($33) Pungent cherry and bright acidity; fresh and savory with a mellow texture and fine balance. THE WINEBOW GROUP 93 Nga Waka 2015 Three Paddles Lease Block Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand ($35) Deep, rich ruby color ; smooth and lush with dense cherry fruit and peppery, earthy notes. CANOE WINE IMPORTS 91 Opawa 2015 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($22) Fresh, generous, and polished with bright cherry fruit and a lush style; mellow, long, and balanced. NEGOCIANTS USA 93 Seresin Estate 2013 Raupo Creek Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($67) A lively red with a soft, cherry nose; good depth and texture; complex and layered with savory notes and bright acidity; one of Marlborough's best. THE SORTING TABLE 89 The Better Half 2015 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15) Smooth and juicy with tangy cherry fruit and a lush texture; well- balanced with earthy and fragrant elements; an excellent value. MARITIME WINE TRADING COLLECTIVE 93 Toi Toi Wines 2014 Clutha Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand ($20) Rich magenta color ; soft and dense with black cherry fruit and notes of plum; elegant and round. USA WINE WEST 93 Villa Maria 2014 Taylors Pass Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($42) Deep ruby color ; juicy and bright with tangy cherry and racy acidity; mellow and balanced; ripe, long, and fresh. STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES All New Zealand wines are sealed with screwcap. Discovering New Zealand Pinot Noir PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ZEALAND WINE

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