Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010, 2011 and 2012

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 07-Mar-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Full, very dark, deep ruby-red colour with light garnet hues. The nose is firmly concentrated with aromas of ripe, black berry and dark-red cherry fruit along with black plum, liquorice and dark herb notes. Complex savoury undergrowth and sour cherry nuances unfold to add detail. The aromatics show with depth and considerable power. Medium-full bodied, full, ripe and lusciously sweet flavours of black berry and cherry fruit are complexed by layers of plums, liquorice and dark herbs, along with secondary undergrowth notes. The fruit is supported by fine-grained, but substantial tannin extraction providing structure and flowery grip. Fine acidity lends tension and balance, and the wine leads to a full, open and powerful finish. This is a fulsome, ripe, black-fruited Pinot Noir with plenty of structure, power and energy. Match with lamb, beef, venison and hard cheeses over the next 6-8 years. Fruit predominantly destemmed, and fermented to 13.8% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 25% new French oak. Winemaker: Steve Davies. 18.5+/20 Mar 2016 RRP $55.00
• Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 07-Mar-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even ruby-red colour with garnet hues on the rim, pale edged. The bouquet is elegantly presented with a core of complex, savoury, sour cherry fruit intermixed with secondary dried herb and earth notes, unfolding red floral elements in the glass. Medium-full bodied, this has a firmly concentrated heart of dark red cherry and berry fruit with some savoury dark herb and subtle, secondary earthy notes. The mouthfeel is rounded with rich dark cherry and liquorice flavours unfolding, adding interest. The tannins are integrated, with soft acidity providing a rounded mouthfeel. The wine has good, positive linearity carrying the flavours to a long finish. This is a softly concentrated, integrating Pinot Noir with a rounded mouthfeel and savoury secondary development on the bouquet. Match with mushroom and game dishes over the next 4+ years. Hand-picked fruit, clones 5, 667, 113, 114 and 10/5, 95% from the Wild Earth Bannockburn vineyard and 5% from the company’s Lowburn site, fermented to 14.0% al., the wine aged 12 months in 31% new French oak. Winemaker: Peter Bartle. 18.0/20 Mar 2016 RRP $49.00
• Wild Earth Central Otago Pinot Noir 2012
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 07-Mar-2016

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even ruby-red colour, lighter on the rim. This has a firm and intense nose with bold aromas of dark-red berry fruits entwined with dark herbs, subtle stalk and undergrowth notes, revealing savoury red berry dried thyme herb and game nuances and red floral elements. Medium-full bodied, the palate is full, even and accessible with ripe dark red cherry and berry fruit flavours harmoniously entwined with subtle herb and stalk nuances. Dried herb and red floral detail adds interest, and the flavours build in depth and density. The mouthfeel features supple tannins that provide structure and presence, the acidity well-balanced and integrated. The wine leads to a soft, integrated and sustained finish. This is a supple, harmonious Pinot Noir with dark cherry and berry fruit and plenty of palate presence. Match with poultry and pork over the next 5-6 years. Hand-picked fruit, clones 10/5, 777 and 5, 80% from the Wild Earth Bannockburn vineyards and 20% from the company’s Lowburn site, destemmed and fermented to 14.3% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 34% new French oak barriques. Winemaker: Peter Bartle. 18.0+/20 Mar 2016 RRP $42.00