We have identified the best New Zealand Pinot Noir under £20 from the latest Decanter panel tasting...
These New Zealand Pinot Noir wines all achieved an average score of 90 points or more from Decanter’s expert panel tasters: Melanie Brown, Christine Parkinson and Philip Tuck MW.
Read the full article in the September 2016 issue of Decanter magazine, featuring 116 wines and insights from the tasters
Click here to subscribe
Philip Tuck MW believes that New Zealand makes the best Pinot Noir outside France.
‘It’s definitely the best New World producer at the moment, though there are other countries trying to catch up,’ said Christine Parkinson.
Best New Zealand Pinot Noir under £20
Mount Brown, Pinot Noir, Waipara, Canterbury 2014
Lifted and overt Pinot fruit with perfumed fresh and sour cherry aromas...
Points 95
Wild South, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2015
Vibrant crushed raspberries, spice, cocoa, liquorice and Darjeeling tea...
Points 93
Mount Beautiful, Pinot Noir, Canterbury 2014
Alongside bright cherry notes, there is a compelling core of minerality that sits effortlessly on the palate...
Points 92
Jackson Estate, Vintage Widow, Marlborough 2013
Savoury, ripe strawberry aromas with generous and attractive blackberry and cherry fruit that is clean, floral, lively and very long...
Points 91
Tindall Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2013
An admirably silky texture with juicy black cherry fruit and violets...
Points 91
Forrest, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2013
Lovely rich fruit tinged with cocoa and lavender, this wine is poised and cheerful...
Points 91
Invivo, Pinot Noir, Central Otago 2013
Coffee, plum and slightly rubbery aromas developing harmoniously with savoury oak and sweet raspberry fruit that is settled and poised...
Points 91
Vidal, Reserve Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2015
Attractive floral notes and vivid raspberry aromas are balanced by plenty of vanilla on the palate and fresh fruit patisserie…
Points 91
Palliser Estate, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2014
Strangely muted aromas but brightness and juiciness unfold seductively across the palate to reveal oak spice framing a rush of…
Points 91
Spy Valley, Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2014
A light, refreshing style that sees crunchy red cherry fruit, rhubarb and crushed raspberries on the palate...
Points 91
More about the tasting
Christine Parkinson said, ‘What makes New Zealand interesting is the combination of fruit purity, the delightful acidity thanks to a relatively cool climate, intelligent winemaking and moderate alcohol levels.’
Top 2014 Central Otago Pinot Noir
When it comes to how and when to drink these wines, the panel felt that many of them need to be enjoyed within a few years of the vintage, perhaps with the exception of those from Martinborough.
Parkinson praised their suitability to food.
‘These aren’t fruit bombs – they are sophisticated wines that will stand up really well to food.
‘This is a marker of their quality and the potential the country still has with this variety.’
Read the full article in the September 2016 issue of Decanter magazine, featuring 116 wines and insights from the tasters
Click here to subscribe
The post Best New Zealand Pinot Noir under £20 appeared first on Decanter.