New Zealand Listener – August 03, 2019

38 LISTENER AUGUST 3 2019

G
ET

TY

IM

AG

ES

A

few years ago, we

paid a lot more

for a good bottle

of pinot noir than

an equally good

bottle of merlot

or cabernet sauvignon. Pinot

noir’s delicious, easy-drinking

nature was attracting a host

of new fans and the supply

couldn’t keep pace with

demand.

Since then, a tsunami of

pinot noir has hit the shelves.

Wineries that once made a

single $45 red now also often

produce a second-tier $35

model and a $25 drink-young

charmer. It’s never been easier

to find a good, mid-priced

pinot noir.

Akarua Rua Central Otago Pinot

Noir 2017

For a third-tier label, this

by Michael Cooper

Pinot noirs

for under $30

It’s never been easier to find

a good, mid-priced version.

regional blend is seductive.

Ruby-hued, it is floral and

softly mouth-filling (14% alc/

vol), with fresh plum and

cherry flavours that are rich

and smooth. $25

Alexander Dusty Road

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017

This second-tier red offers great

value. Deeply coloured and

full-bodied (13.5% alc/vol),

it has plum, cherry and spice

flavours, savoury notes adding

complexity and excellent

density. $27

Aronui Single Vineyard Nelson

Pinot Noir 2016

This savoury, sweet-fruited

red is drinking well now.

Full-bodied (13.5% alc/vol),

with delicate cherry, plum,

spice and nut flavours, it

shows good complex-

ity and harmony. $25

Black Cottage Marlborough

Pinot Noir 2018

Offering good, early drink-

ing, this vibrant red is

medium- to full-bodied

(13% alc/vol), with cherry-

ish, plummy, slightly spicy

flavours that are fresh and

well-rounded. $20

Brightside Organic New

Zealand Pinot Noir 2017

Certified organic, this Nelson

red is mouth-filling (13% alc/

vol), with plummy, spicy fla-

vours, an earthy streak, fresh

acidity and good depth. $19

Bronte Nelson Pinot Noir 2017

From Rimu Grove, this red

has good body (13.5% alc/

vol) and depth of cherryish,

plummy, slightly spicy flavours,

a touch of savoury complexity

and drink-young charm. $25

Carrick Unravelled Central Otago

Pinot Noir 2018

Certified organic, this is a

vibrant, supple Bannockburn

red. Full-bodied (13.5% alc/

vol), it has good depth of ripe,

plummy, spicy, slightly nutty

flavours and considerable com-

plexity. Already enjoyable. $29

Clos Henri Petit Clos Marlborough

Pinot Noir 2017

An organically certified red

that was matured in large oak

vats. It is an elegant wine,

mouth-filling (13.5% alc/vol)

and supple, with ripe cherry,

plum and spice flavours, some

earthy, savoury notes and

velvety tannins. $26

WINE

THIS LIFE