28-Sep-2017
In establishing Misha’s Vineyard, Misha Wilkinson was advised by viticultural guru Dr Richard Smart not to be a ‘Pinot Princess’, and plant other varieties, particularly whites, which he deemed would succeed in the harsh land of Bendigo Station in Central Otago. Andy and Misha Wilkinson took his advice on board, and the aromatic whites are indeed excellent, being delicate and beautiful. However, Misha’s Vineyard is Pinot Noir dominant, with 17 ha planted, nearly two-thirds of the total vineyard which measures 26 ha. My tastings of the Pinot Noir wines, at all levels, from the more accessible ‘Impromptu’, the premium ‘High Note’ and ‘flagship ‘Verismo’ show they have the structure and potential to age well. At the other end of the Pinot Noir spectrum, last year, Misha’s Vineyard introduced their first rosé wine, winemaker Olly Masters crafting a delicious inaugural bottling of ‘The Soloist’, as it is called. It, as most rosé wines, is better consumed in the exuberance of youth. Here, I review the latest Pinot Noir releases: ‘The Soloist’ Rosé 2017, and ‘The High Note’ 2014 and ‘Verismo’ 2012. www.mishasvineyard.co.nz
