Sourced from one of the oldest blocks of Pinot Noir in the Central Otago region, this bottle is an excellent example of what New Zealand can do.
The winemaker, Dean Shaw, is known for his non-interventionist winemaking. This bottle is a decent example of the minimalist style, except for the huge gobs of oak. Oh, and Kawarau is a certified organic winery if you are into that sort of thing.
Dried Cranberries and fresh plum dominate the nose, but a whiff of smoke and flowers comes through, too. On the palate, this is clearly not your average Pinot from NZ. A surprisingly tannic Pinot, it is counterbalanced with a jolt of fresh acidity.
The combination pays off, with complex fruit flavors that range from pomegranate to fig and back again. While intense, the overall impression is soft and lovely.
Check out our article wines for beginners.