Day four and the final day of Pinot Noir 2013 was more formal in nature. We were treated to a interesting review and discussion from Jasper Morris MW first up. Reminding us where we sit in plantings of Pinot Noir, France takes top spot, this does though include Pinot noir for sparkling production, then USA, Germany, Moldova and in fifth spot with 5,000 ha planted New Zealand. Jasper shared his views in NZ Pinot Noir and touched on a point that had been somewhat over looked – we are not making any money growing or making it – this needs to change and to do so, he proposed a style of en primeur type releases. Given that’s not working all that well for Bordeaux with many moving away from it, I am not convinced, but as of yet don’t have a better idea – so why not.
Next up was a look at the 2010 vintage from Burgundy, having just finished writing our 2010 burgundy offer (available online now) and re looking at the wines and notes I had taken whilst there, I was looking forward to this. It was a thoughtful title (composed by Nick Mills) aiming to look at regionality. All six wines looked good and showed the quality of the 2010 vintage.
Next up we looked at 12 wines selected by an international panel that they felt told the story of where New Zealand Pinot Noir is at in it’s journey so far, the wines chosen were;
Kusunda Pinot Noir 2010
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2010
Dog Point Pinot Noir 2010
Fromm Clayvin Pinot Noir 2010
Wollaston Pinot Noir 2010
Neudorf Home Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Bellbird Spring River Terrace Pinot Noir 2010
Black Estate Omihi Pinot Noir 2010
Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir 2010
Ostler Pinot Noir 2010
Two Paddocks The first Paddock Pinot Noir 2010
Rippon Tinkers field Pinot Noir 2010
It was an interesting line up, for me it showed the diversity we are now seeing in New Zealand Pinot. As the final day draws to a close, there’s lots to review, which I’ll do and post over the coming weeks.