Christy Canterbury MW

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NZ Wines During Pinot Noir NZ

I am certainly envious of all those "Down Under" now for an amazing few days at Pinot Noir NZ. Nodding in their direction, I tasted some Kiwi wines over the last few days. I'd happily pick up any of them for my table!

87
Crowded House 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 13%
This Marlborough belle has curvy and enticing tropical fruit expressions with notes of papaya, jackfruit and quince. The palate weaves in ginger and white pepper spice. Smooth and creamy on the palate with generous but very well-placed acidity, this is more of a symphony rather than a rock band style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Drink: 2017-19 

88
Catalina Sounds 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 13%
Pale, zippy and youthful, this elegant, more-ish expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is lovely straight out of the bottle, but it opens up tremendously when decanted. A slate-like minerality runs from the first aromas through the fairly fast finish. The palate tastes of passion fruit and guava laced with Meyer lemon and lime. Honest to its grape variety and origin, this is everything one would expect it to be. Its holding on nicely now and shouldn’t fad for a while, but there is no reason to wait.
Drink: 2017-18

88
Catalina Sounds 2015 Pinot Noir Marlborough 13%
This Marlborough belle starts off simple and pleasing but expands impressively across the palate with several hours of air. What starts off as litle more than black cherries and crushed slate turns into smashed blackberries, black plum skin and fireplace smoke. Very medium-bodied and immensely drinkable thanks to its integrated acidity and whisper-soft tannis, this is sure to please most Pinot-loving crowds. For well-priced Marlborough Pinot Noirs, it’s unusually in the riper end of the spectrum.
Drink: 2017-19

89
Nanny Goat 2015 Pinot Noir Central Otago 14%
This is classic Otago. Rich in body but refreshingly acidic, it is packed with blueberries and mulberries. And, it’s all about the fruit - an abundance of fresh, zingy, super-pure fruit. No doubt that, with its elegantly lacy palate and fine, talc-like tannins, this is Pinot Noir, but there’s none of the earthiness or forest-floor one often finds. That’s not at all to say this isn't a fully satisfying wine. Especially considering there is a medium finish, this wine at this price is an over-performer.
Drink: 2017-20