The Writer’s Block Pinot Noir

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• The Writer’s Block Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 18-Oct-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even garnet red colour, lighter on the rim with a little bricking. The bouquet is ethereal with fragrant aromas of red cherry and berry fruit melded with layers of herbs and spices, notes of cedar and lifted red florals, unfolding herbal detail in the glass. Medium-full bodied, the palate possesses juicy and lively flavours of red berries and cherries harmoniously entwined with secondary flavours of spices and cedar, dried herbs and lifted red florals. This has a fine core and light, fine-grained tannins in support and the mouthfeel is enlivened by bright, lacy acidity lending tension and energy to the flow. As the wine leads to the slender, lingering finish, notes of spice and cedar unfold prevail. This is an elegant, ethereal and fragrant Pinot Noir with red cherry fruit complexed by secondary spice and cedar notes on a light-textured, brisk palate. Match with game meat and semi-hard cheeses over the next 4 years. This is Clones 115 and 777 fruit from selected rows from a single Bannockburn vineyard, the vines planted in 2002, indigenous yeast fermented with 25% whole bunch to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in one-third new French oak barrels. 50 cases made. 18.0-/20 Oct 2016 RRP $N/A Moderately dark ruby-red colour with garnet hues, a little lighter on rim. This has a firm, intense nose with aromas of dark red berry fruit and dried, spicy herbs complexed by reductive elements and a little oak toast and resin. Medium full-bodied, bright and vibrant dark red berry fruit flavours are intermixed with dark herbs, a touch of minerally reduction, toast and oak elements. The palate has excellent acid liveliness underling the flow, with fine-grained tannins in support. The acidity and subtle firmness drives the flavours to a long and sustained, juicy finish. This is a finely concentrated and vibrant Pinot Noir with reductive and savoury complexities. Serve with roasted red meats and Mediterranean inspired fare over the next 6-7 years. Clones 115 and 777 fruit from selected rows from a single Bannockburn vineyard, the vines planted in 2002, indigenous yeast fermented with 25% whole bunch to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in one-third new French oak barrels. 18.0-/20 Jun 2013 RRP $50.00 Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates
• The Writer’s Block Bannockburn Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 18-Oct-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red with garnet hues on a lighter edge. The bouquet is firmly concentrated with vigorous aromas of ripe black berried fruits along with savoury dark herbs and subtle layers of game and undergrowth, the aromatics showing some secondary complexity. Nuances of black florals and mineral unfold with aeration. Medium-full bodied, the mouthfeel is full, soft and rounded with sweet, ripe black berried fruits with notes of plums at the core Layers of dried herbs, minerals, savoury game and secondary undergrowth provide complexing interest. The fruit is supported by supple tannin extraction and soft, integrated acidity lending a plush mouthfeel. The wine flows smoothly to a soft, long finish of black fruits and minerals. This is a fulsome and sweetly rich, black fruited Pinot Noir with a soft, rounded mouthfeel and the beginnings of secondary development. Match with game meat dishes and casseroles over the next 5 years. Clones 115 and 777 fruit from selected rows from a single Bannockburn vineyard, the vines planted in 2002, indigenous yeast fermented to 13.5% alc. with 25% whole bunch to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 15 months in seasoned French oak barrels. 50 cases made. 18.5/20 Oct 2016 RRP $N/A Very dark, deep ruby-red colour with slight purple hues on edge. The nose is very full and vently voluminous with waves of ripe dark-red berry fruit and plums, spices and violet florals and a hint of dried herbs. Medium full-bodied, plump red berry fruit and floral flavours fill the palate and form a rounded core. The mouthfeel features soft, grainy tannins with a supple approachability, the acidity quite discreet and restrained. The flavours have excellent presence and drive and carry through to a soft, textured, lingering finish with spicy red fruit notes. This is a soft-textured Pinot Noir with plump, aromatic red fruit flavours. Match with poultry, duck and rabbit over the next 5-6 years. Clones 115 and 777 fruit from selected rows from a single Bannockburn vineyard, the vines planted in 2002, indigenous yeast fermented to 13.5% alc. with 25% whole bunch to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 15 months in seasoned French oak barrels. 18.0+/20 Jun 2013 RRP $50.00 (Sold out) Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates