I had low expectations when I signed up for Sherry-Lehmann’s New Zealand wine tasting the other night. It’s a region I know only for its premium Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. I had heard New Zealand Pinot Noir is emerging as a contender in the realm of Pinot production. The climate certainly is conducive to grow the grapes – not overly hot temperatures and cool evenings.
Of course, I’m an Old World girl and dubious, but with an open mind I tasted Pinots from Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough. To my surprise, I actually found many similarities to (gulp) Burgundy. Some expressed fruitier qualities reminiscent of Beaujolais while others were earthy and more complex. Call me crazy, but I felt validation when I read Eric Asimov’s February 17, 2010, New York Times article “New Zealand Youths With Promise.”
There were roughly 15 producers showing their wines and admittedly I didn’t get to taste them all. Of the ones I did try there were two I wouldn’t hesitate to buy. Mt. Difficulty’s 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir was without a doubt awesome. I’m not sure if tasted blind next to a Burgundy I’d be able to differentiate between the two.
The second Pinot that blew me away was from Spy Valley. The 2008 vintage reminded me of a top Beaujolais. It was a fruit forward wine with a strong finish.
Ata Rangi from Martinborough is recognized as another strong Pinot producer, but the 2008 that was poured was somewhat disappointing after hearing so many in the crowd rave about it.
What each of these wines demonstrated, however, is that New Zealand is an up and coming, if not an already-arrived, region for quality Pinot Noir. I wonder if in a few years there could be a new generation Bottle Shock.
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