Fancrest Estate Pinots Noir 2007 and 2008
This is the first time I have encountered Fancrest Wines - unless they were served to me blind in a wine competition - so it was great to be exposed to a different expression of Pinot Noir from the Waipara region.
Fancrest Estate 2008 Pinot Noir Waipara 13%alc.
Appearance - transparent red, garnet and strawberry jam hues.
N: Varietal - strawberry, red and yellow cherry, plum, red apple skin and light rose petals. Light oak influences are in harmony with the fruit. P: Dry and quite light in body with soft red fruit flavours – strawberry and cherry, oak and fruit tannins are soft and gentle. The texture includes a firm note towards the back palate though. Overall a sound yet light in body Pinot Noir expression – 3 Stars.
Fancrest Estate Di's Pinot Noir 2007 Waipara 13%alc.
N: Reflective of a decent vintage – dark spices stewing and black forest cherry, dense strawberry then vanillin toasty oak – overall quite dense and focused, inviting. P: Dry with firm driving tannins then dark cherry; The English breakfast tea and toasty oak tannins seem to have a louder voice than the fruits on this occasion. The dark red cherry and strawberry notes emerge next and quite strong. Overall a sound Pinot Noir expression that requires food to show at its best. I expect this wine will continue to age for another 3 to 5 years and reward those who choose to cellar it for this time. 3.5 Stars.
Fancrest Estate 2008 Pinot Noir Waipara 13%alc.
Appearance - transparent red, garnet and strawberry jam hues.
N: Varietal - strawberry, red and yellow cherry, plum, red apple skin and light rose petals. Light oak influences are in harmony with the fruit. P: Dry and quite light in body with soft red fruit flavours – strawberry and cherry, oak and fruit tannins are soft and gentle. The texture includes a firm note towards the back palate though. Overall a sound yet light in body Pinot Noir expression – 3 Stars.
Fancrest Estate Di's Pinot Noir 2007 Waipara 13%alc.
N: Reflective of a decent vintage – dark spices stewing and black forest cherry, dense strawberry then vanillin toasty oak – overall quite dense and focused, inviting. P: Dry with firm driving tannins then dark cherry; The English breakfast tea and toasty oak tannins seem to have a louder voice than the fruits on this occasion. The dark red cherry and strawberry notes emerge next and quite strong. Overall a sound Pinot Noir expression that requires food to show at its best. I expect this wine will continue to age for another 3 to 5 years and reward those who choose to cellar it for this time. 3.5 Stars.