Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Mud House Central Otago New Zealand Pinot Noir, 2015

I've been eager to try a Central Otago Pinot Noir, but this is the first I've found at a reasonable price ($15 at Plum Market in Ann Arbor). Now I'm willing to pay the price and try some of the other Pinots from this very cool (almost cold) appellation near Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand.

Beautiful, bright color. My initial sniff suggests a ripe fruitiness. Black fruits with hints of cocoa powder and cinnamon. It doesn't take long, though, to discover that this wine has some special qualities. Good structure and intensity from front to back. Lots of black pepper and spice; reminds me of a very good Southern Rhone. I don't see ready comparisons with either French Burgundy or Pinots from California or Oregon. But it's a wine and an appellation that I would like in my cellar.

2 comments:

  1. How big is your cellar? Do you still buy wine or just drink what’s left in your cellar? I have followed you for years and try to buy wines from the regions you mentioned but it’s likited here in Ontario. I have about 500 bottles and am slowly drinking the maturing ones and only buying more age worthy ones to keep stock for the futufe

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    1. I'm nearing my 79th birthday, but I am still buying wine, both for current drinking and for cellaring. I know my kids and grandkids will enjoy whatever I'm unable to drink.

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