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New Zealand Pinot Noir from Hellion Wines

I'm grateful to Jim Ledwith, of Hellion Wines, for the recent opportunity to increase my knowledge of New Zealand Pinot Noir just that little bit further, with two new vintages from his range. Jim imports an eclectic range of Kiwi wines into the UK, from small producers such as Redmetal, Bald Hills and Berridge Estate Vineyards.

I was particularly pleased that the most recent vintage of the Drystone Pinot Noir, from Dick Berridge, is of equal quality to the 2002 which I tasted last year. It is wines like these, and those of the excellent Carrick Estate, that have made a place for Central Otago on any true Pinot-lover's map.

I'll be looking at some of the other small NZ producers to be found in the Hellion portfolio in the coming weeks. (14/9/05)

New Zealand Pinot Noir - Tasting Notes

Tasted in September 2005. Click for stockists:

Three Miners Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2003: A good ripe depth of colour. The nose shows primary red fruits at first, before developing some gamey notes, opening out into a blend of green apples and farmyard characteristics. Medium bodied, but with some considerable weight on the palate, and with a very good depth of character. It has slightly mushroomy dark fruit, with a firm, tingling, peppery malic acidity. Cottony texture which has appeal. Short finish. Good now, and over the next two to three years. 15.5+/20

Berridge Vineyards Estates Drystone Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2003: Lovely deep colour for Pinot, and a gorgeous nose to match. Plenty of silky dark chocolate, poured over black cherries, with a fruit dominated depth. Very good indeed. Full, well structured palate, revealing just a little tannin on the endpalate. Almost creamy edge to the rich, mouthfilling texture. Firm, black cherry fruit, with great acidity hiding behind the substance of the wine. Lovely style, drinking now, but fine in the cellar for five years plus I think. Follows on from the quality found in the 2002; excellent wine, highly recommended. 17.5+/20 Label