The Admiral Reserve Estate Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013
Back to NZ Pinot’s…
Pinot Ruby. 13.2% alc.
A negociant’s wine, this Pinot Noir is produced for Paddy’s Wholesalers who hail from Seaview, an industrial section of Hutt City. Nary a vine in sight in that part of the world. And no vineyard or winemaker identified on the label either – I don’t like that at all. And what is a Reserve Estate? There are several paid-for glowing reviews on the label, mind, so let’s see if it’s any good…
I can’t see much on the nose. It’s quite dumb. There is a bit of light fruit, pepper and herbaceousness if I try hard, but little expression save a bit of green.
On palate it is light and thin and somewhat metallic. It’s not vibrant or fruity, and almost tastes sour. The fulsome reviews do not describe the wine I am drinking here. Perhaps this bottle was poorly stored.
80 points
Thanks for your insights! In general, how do New Zealand Pinot’s stack up against Oregon Pinot’s?
I’d like to be able to tell you, Mark, but Oregon (and USA) wines are very hard to come by in New Zealand, and expensive, so I wouldn’t have a clue how they compare. Given a chance to spend a large sum on a foreign bottle, I’ll usually buy a good Burgundy or Rhone. I would have to say that nevertheless NZ pinots have the edge 🙂
I appreciate that insight. I have always been led to believe that Oregon Pinot Noir is some of the best Pinot Noir around. Hadn’t heard a lot about NZ Pinot though. I’ll need to give it a try!
I agree totally with whats being said, we have just opened this bottle and wondered where on the earth we got it from, cant recall going to the cellar door at all, and quite frankly its not at all exciting. Have had much nicer pinot out of the Wairarpa.
Yes – Johner comes to mind!
Now there is a good cellar door tasting experience.