Alexander and Dusty Road 2017 Martinborough Pinot Noirs

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Alexander ‘Dusty Road’ Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 18-Jul-2018

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very dark, black-hued ruby-red colour, near impenetrable at the heart, lighter on the rim with purple tints. This has a very full, solid and densely packed nose of ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit melded with a subtle thread of dark herbs and savoury nuances showing the Abel clone. Notes of black plums, liquorice and earthy minerals add detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate has bold and fulsome, up-front flavours of ripe blackberries and black cherries forming a solid, dense heart. A layering of dark herbs, plums and liquorice unfolds, adding interest. The palate has plenty of fruit weight ad presence with fine-grained tannin structure in support, lending good texture and grip, with fresh acidity in the background. Some alcoholic power carries the wine to a fulsome finish, This is a fulsome, solid and densely packed, black-fruited Pinot Noir with plum, liquorice and herb notes on a well-structured palate. Match with grilled and roasted game meat over the next 6-7+ years. A blend of approx. 60% Abel clone with equal portions of clones 5, 113 and 114, fully destemmed and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 20% new French oak. 481 cases made. 18.0/20 Jul 2018 RRP $27.00
• Alexander Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 18-Jul-2018

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red colour, lighter on the edge with slight purple tints. The nose is fragrant with aromas of savoury black cherry fruit entwined with an array of dark-red berry fruits harmoniously melded together. Aromatic dark-red florals and herbal nuances add perfume and lift. The nose builds in depth forming a concentrated core. Medium-full bodied, the palate is rich with plush and vibrantly sweet flavours of ripe black cherries and dark-red berryfruit. The flavours form a firm, elegantly presented core with a positive backbone and firm, fine-grained tannins providing plenty of structure. The acidity is balanced and the wine carries with good energy to an elegant, sustained finish. This is a sweetly rich, black-fruited Pinot Noir with an elegant, but powerful, linear core with fine structure and plenty of drive. Match with poultry, pork, beef and lamb over the next 6-8 years. A selection of 9 barrels. 55% clone 5 and 45% Abel, destemmed and fermented, 45% by indigenous yeasts to 13.5% alc., the one aged 11 months in one-third new French Allier oak barriques. 220 cases made. 18.5/20 Jul 2018 RRP $39.00