The Pinot Noir & Grenache Thread

[Rugby]

Picked this one up through the Fo last week and after trying it ordered another two cases. It's young, but IMHO a really good value NZ Pinot for $11.50. Still available.

https://vinomofo.com/wines/red-wine/black-market-deal-pinot-noir-2016-24601

 

[Delectable Blue]

If it's Central Otago you're heading to then I'd very much recommend

Chard Farm
Amisfield
Gibbston Valley
Felton Road

As the Pinot Highlights.

I'd add Valli and Mt Difficulty to that list and it's looking pretty good. By all accounts Quartz Reef is also pretty good, unfortunately they were closed while we were there.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I'd add Valli and Mt Difficulty to that list and it's looking pretty good. By all accounts Quartz Reef is also pretty good, unfortunately they were closed while we were there.

All the ones mentioned are excellent. Worth joining Gibbston valley if you visit for discounts and lunch.

And the new one , Wet Jacket is very good. If in the area, book a visit to Mt Edward. Crazy winemaker Duncan is a 'hoot'.

Plus Pisa Range is also worth a visit.

 

[Wozza]

And last, but not least:

the Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016


It's the best of the Series at this early stage. But I suspect the Sexton will be the one for the long haul. If you like them young, then this is the most complete and satisfying now.

http://www.vivino.com/users/warren-dav/reviews/68299879

2016 Giant Steps Pinot Noir Primavera Vineyard, Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Yarra Valley - CellarTracker

"Privileged to try a pre-release of one of Australia's rising Pinot stars. Steve Flamesteed's Single Vineyard Series have been scoring big, renowned for their fruit purity and Green credentials. The Primavera Vineyard (indep. of Giant Steps ownership) was planted in '01 on the young, fertile soils and cool climate conditions the Yarra Valley is famous for.

Straight up: this is the best of the trio on release. It's more voluptuous and perfumed. And has more sweetness. But also great balance with the savoury elements. The nose is very gratifying. Especially if you have a sweet tooth for strawberry, gummy bears, clove and mouthwatering creamy vanilla and spice. The med-bodied palate has juicy, fresh strawberry, red currant and cranberry that guides to the rose water, clove, creamy vanilla and spice finish. Great balance. Very moorish. A Wozza 94/100 (4.0) from me."

Glad I have one of each to savour in the future. Now on to the Chardonnays ...

 

[beefarmer]

If it's Central Otago you're heading to then I'd very much recommend

Chard Farm
Amisfield
Gibbston Valley
Felton Road

As the Pinot Highlights.

Without doubt we'll be at some of these. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[beefarmer]

Picked this one up through the Fo last week and after trying it ordered another two cases. It's young, but IMHO a really good value NZ Pinot for $11.50. Still available.

https://vinomofo.com/wines/red-wine/black-market-deal-pinot-noir-2016-24601

View attachment 97195

I am delivering my bro 30botts tonight, so that frees up a bit of coin.
You are obviously impressed with this.
How's the fruit/savoury element balance and hows the body and end dryness, if any?

just went to www. found this of the 2015.
it was selling for 13.99 nz as a cancelled order by the way. yours is 2016. below 2015 review..

This attractive, soft Pinot Noir shows red berry, dark plum and cherry flavours with fragrant fresh hay and savoury oak characters. On the palate, it is soft and round, with a hint of spicy smoky oak and a long finish.


to me, that's right up my alley as I prefer a fruit over savoury texture.
seems like a no brainer, but I await your comments.

 

[The Warlock]

I'd add Valli and Mt Difficulty to that list and it's looking pretty good. By all accounts Quartz Reef is also pretty good, unfortunately they were closed while we were there.

Quartz Reef was OK from memory but didn't stand out for on the Pinot front. Their sparkling wine was very good. Their cellar door was a little building in the middle of an industrial estate in Cromwell which was interesting.

Rippon was excellent for Riesling and Peregrine is also good for Chardonnay and Pinot.

Valli was very good but expensive I found.

I didn't rate Mt Difficulty particularly.

All in all though it's Pinot heaven. I found Chard Farm the best value and they had four or five Pinots available at various price points.

 

[The Warlock]

All the ones mentioned are excellent. Worth joining Gibbston valley if you visit for discounts and lunch.

And the new one , Wet Jacket is very good. If in the area, book a visit to Mt Edward. Crazy winemaker Duncan is a 'hoot'.

Plus Pisa Range is also worth a visit.

Yes good shout on Pisa Range

 

[Rugby]

I am delivering my bro 30botts tonight, so that frees up a bit of coin.
You are obviously impressed with this.
How's the fruit/savoury element balance and hows the body and end dryness, if any?

just went to www. found this of the 2015.
it was selling for 13.99 nz as a cancelled order by the way. yours is 2016. below 2015 review..

This attractive, soft Pinot Noir shows red berry, dark plum and cherry flavours with fragrant fresh hay and savoury oak characters. On the palate, it is soft and round, with a hint of spicy smoky oak and a long finish.


to me, that's right up my alley as I prefer a fruit over savoury texture.
seems like a no brainer, but I await your comments.

BF - I'd describe it as fruit forward, medium bodied and with a fairly dry finish. Interested in your opinion if you end up pulling the trigger, and as we know you can biff it back to them if not to your taste.

 

[Delectable Blue]

Valli was very good but expensive I found.

I didn't rate Mt Difficulty particularly.

I found Chard Farm the best value and they had four or five Pinots available at various price points.

I suspect Mt Difficulty can be a little variable. When we were there late 2016, the 2014 Pinot's were drinking beautifully, especially the Growers Series. I had no problem parting with $100 a bottle for them. However, on return I have tried a few of their other vintages and have been less impressed. So it always pays to taste before purchasing. It is however a beautiful location, and sitting out on their terrace for lunch on a crisp spring morning was a real highlight of our visit.

Yes, Valli are not cheap, but the quality is there. For me these wines were second only to those of Felton Road. And the Valli wines were available for purchase, whereas Felton Road was pretty much fully allocated to members. Again, I had no hesitation in parting with $75 a bottle for the Valli's. Superb pinot.

I agree regarding Chard Farm, a real hidden gem. Beautiful wines and an amazing location.

 

[qaz]

A couple of Melbourne events next week:

Tuesday 6.30-8pm - 2016 Vintage Reveal from Bindi with winemaker Michael Dillon ($35)

Wednesday 5.30-7.30pm William Downie tasting (free), 7:30-10pm Pinot Noir Masterclass & Dinner hosted by Bill Downie ($95)

Like Tolpuddle previously, the 2015 Shaw + Smith has divided critics, being rated only 90+pts by WineFront in contrast to 96/97pts from others...

[post=1630236]If you’re not in Sydney for the WineSquare pinot tasting or Prince Wine Store’s Shaw + Smith + Tolpuddle masterclass[/post],
then myCellars and PWS are perhaps the cheapest places to buy it at ~$41

myCellars also has the 2015 Tolpuddle for ~$70 which PWS can price match, but AusCellardoor has it for ~$63 with a 10% discount code

[post=1634294]Using LAUNCHPARTY at Different Drop[/post], the Tolpuddle becomes $61.20 - I also ordered 2015 Sailor Seeks Horse Pinot Noir ($45), 2015 Clyde Park Single Block Block D Pinot Noir ($63.90), 2011 Mount Langi Ghiran ‘Undisgorged’ Sparkling Pinot Noir ($31.50), amongst others

Quartz Reef was OK from memory but didn't stand out for on the Pinot front. Their sparkling wine was very good. Their cellar door was a little building in the middle of an industrial estate in Cromwell which was interesting.

They were one of my Pinot Palooza picks

 

[qaz]

2015 is shaping up to be a top vintage for Victorian pinot noir, with some good value wines rated 95 points by The Wine Front, including:

Little Yarra ($40 @ Little Yarra)

$34.99 at WineStar ($33.33 in 12pks at Bonds Cnr)

$31.99 @ My Wine Guy (pm me for $30 referral code)

There are four good annual pinot noir tasting events that I know about (please post about others), with one of them being held in Sydney this Saturday - tomorrow:

Pinot Heaven @ Bellevue Hill Bottle Shop (Sydney)
Saturday 4th June @ 2pm
Free
~100 wines

Pinot Heaven 2017 - Saturday 3rd June @ 2pm

 

[SuzieQ68]

Just wanted to pass on a huge thank you to all the Pinot Noir gurus out there for their advice on which Pinot to choose. It's been a challenge to work through some of them (I've discovered that I'm really not a Pinot lover), and based on that sad discovery, I've gone with the 'wait until we arrive in the EU and pick up something from the Burgundy region'. Very much appreciate the assistance, but as a Shiraz lover, I've still yet to appreciate the world of Pinot......maybe one day.....

 

[TheRealTMA]

Didn't want to cross post so see this and wonder in amazement!

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....wines-i-have-drunk-53868-749.html#post1641592

The waiter even commented on the courage of our choice?

 

[qaz]

Anyone tried Bay of Fires 2015?

 

[Steady]

Anyone tried Bay of Fires 2015?

I have only tasted it at the CD - I liked it.

I didn't buy any at the time as I thought it would be available cheaper elsewhere with CB and wish etc.

 

[llamaesque]

Couldn't resist a little pinot splurge at Home Hill on my recent Tassie trip. Their 2014 Kelly's Reserve was one of the wine highlights of last year for me.

 

[Steady]

Couldn't resist a little pinot splurge at Home Hill on my recent Tassie trip. Their 2014 Kelly's Reserve was one of the wine highlights of last year for me.

View attachment 98605

Nice wine - I'm not a huge fan of the Estate but the Home Hill...... I also like their Miss Daisy rose sparkling

 

[Sedimental]

Anyone tried Bay of Fires 2015?

Yes, good gear, good vintage , but reliable anyway. 94 points TWF and Trophy/Chairman's recommendation 2017 Tassie Wine Show. Generally retails around $40 so if you know of any good deals share the love!

 

[qaz]

Gourmet Traveller Wine - Top 2015 Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir:



A few places left for the Sydney tastings:
https://peterbourne.com.au/tag/gourmet-traveller-wine/

Don't forget Pinot Heaven tomorrow:
http://bellevuehillbottleshop.com.au/events/pinot_heaven

Yes, good gear, good vintage , but reliable anyway. 94 points TWF and Trophy/Chairman's recommendation 2017 Tassie Wine Show. Generally retails around $40 so if you know of any good deals share the love!

Thank you (and @Steady) - just trying to decide between it and/or 2013 Stonier Reserve from CellarOne

Bay of Fires 2015 certainly seems to have won some bling:
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_908498/bay-of-fires-pinot-noir