New Zealand Pinot Noir

      I have long thought that a selection of Pinot Noir wines from New Zealand would be interesting, showing different flavours from the various regions of this interesting country.                       
Pinot Noir, the “prima donna” of red grape varieties, is doing rather well in New Zealand; so well, in fact, that you could argue that overall New Zealand makes the best Pinot Noirs outside of Burgundy. In fact Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red variety in New Zealand with just under 1400 ha of vines.
Typically, New Zealand Pinot Noir is fruit-driven, forward and early maturing in the bottle. Alcohol levels are markedly higher than for Burgundies and natural acidity lower.
Many New Zealand Pinot Noir producers leave their fruit on the vine much longer than is either possible or acceptable in Burgundian vineyards, so that plummy flavours, heavier textures, and consequently a more Syrah-like wine structure, results. Markedly, the wines tend to be quite full bodied for the variety and very potable in their youth.
We have 9 wines tonight and these will show whether the above is true:
Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir, 2010
Urlar, Pinot Noir, 2009, Gladstone, Wairarapa
Brancott Estate , Pinot Noir, 2011, Marlborough
Staete Landt, Paladin Pinot Noir, 2009, Marlborough
Wimea, Pinot Noir, 2010, Nelson
Quartz Reef, Pinot Noir, 2010, Central Otago
Carrick Winery, Pinot Noir, 2007, Central Otago
Carrick Winery, Crown and Cross Pinot Noir, 2008,
Central Otago
Peregrine, Pinot Noir, 2009, Central Otago
These are fairly heavy reds and various “nibbles” will be available to clear palates, but this tasting will not include a full meal.

Because of judicious buying, the organiser is able to bring you this tasting at a very favourable price and your Committee would like to thank him for this excellent value event.