Wither Hills Pinot Noir History Tasting
1997 - Winemaker Mr. Brent Marris
A wine of very good colour, darker red core with a browning rim. Aromas of a wine that has stood the test of time holding onto red cherry and dark red apple skin scents, English tea and toasty wood spices. As the wine opens up in glass these fruit and wood ideas intensify for a time. Dry on the palate with tertiary flavours, yet a delicate core of younger fruit remains. Moderate acidity, fine and well integrated tannins, some smoky bacon oak moments and decent finish.
What a pleasure to try this example, a piece of history captured in a bottle. Thank you!
2007 - Winemaker - Mr. Ben Glover
Dark ruby core with a lighter ruby at the rim. Youthful, varietal and fruity on the nose - fantastic and proof that NZ Pinot Noir can and does age well. Good too that mother nature gave us the 2007 vintage to prove it. Dry on the palate with flavours of dark roses and cherry, toasty wood and brown baking spices of oak - cedar and vanilla. Integrated tannins, medium acidity, persistent varietal messages and with moments of tension this wine is still on its plateau. Enjoy soon if you have some in the cellar - a real treat.
2011 Wairau Valley
Slightly lighter core of colour but still showing a persistent youthful ruby hue. Aromas and flavours of red berries and plum, red cherry and red apple, some baking spices and gentle toasty wood layers. Nicely dry with a bite of spice and core of fruit reminders. Fine tannins, slightly dusty, yet with some poise and tension still. Balanced, great length and well made. Still maturing and will remain drinkable for several year yet. Perhaps finish sharing with mates by 2025.
2016
Youthful appearance with a core of ruby and red, a delicate pink and ruby rim. Aromas of a young wine with fresh red berries, cherry, fresh red apple, plum and flowers. No mistaking the oak with a youthful and vibrant package of spice and wood smoke, cinnamon and cedar moments. Dry and fruity, a youthful tension with plenty of acidity and firm tannins. Persistent, vibrant and flavourful. Lots to like and enjoy. Still finding harmony so plenty of cellar time ahead if desired. Best drinking from 2020 through 2028.