Dog Point vs Isabel Pinot Noir

Two fantastic examples of New Zealand Pinot Noir open for tasting this weekend.

This weekend we are culminating our Pinot month with some of the finest Pinot Noir in the world, two Pinot Noir from Marlborough - Isabel Estates and Dog Point.

These are iconic specimens of slow ripening process thanks to cool evenings and mornings combined with careful selection of limited growth on the vines. Both having a non-intervention sustainable procedures.

Pinot Noir in NZ is grown generally on the southern cool climate sites, where there is a huge diversity of climate and soils. This gives a wide range of flavours and styles that we are aware of and are happy comparing the differences.

The last 20 years have seen Pinot Noir extend to all regions on the South Island. Now 5 major regions have emerged; Central Otago, Martinborough, Marlborough, Nelson and Waipara. These sites differ in many aspects, climate differences and soil types are key to the identity of their flavour. Then different clones of pinot noir are used to bring the best out of the different sites. On top of that every 100 meters of altitude planting is equal to -0.6 degrees C. So the more remote the vineyard generally the cooler and slower growing, and the grapes pick up more trace elements and hence more wonderful complexity.

So this weekend, get yourselves down to the wine shop and taste these two top of the tree wines and let us know your favourite.

John

Isabel Pinot Noir - 2013 Offer Price £19.95 ~ Saving £2 a bottle!

A wine gaining weight rapidly - with a nose of brandied cherries/kirsch liqueur, violets and lavender. Very lifted aromatics, indicating the power to come. The palate, for a young Pinot Noir, is quite dense and full with flavours of spice and nutmeg, then a character of prosciutto ham is noticeable. The finish is long and fruit driven with fine, dry tannins and a little minerality - unmistakable Isabel family resemblance.

Located in the Wairau Valley in the heart of Marlborough, Isabel Vineyard receives the full benefit of extended sunshine hours combined with a long, relatively cool growing season. Long, brilliantly sunny, mild autumns allow for the development of intense flavours and aromas in the fruit

The family's passion and love for making wine is reflected in every detail throughout the wine making process. The aim is to enhance the typical Marlborough characteristics with complexity and finesse that will deliver aging potential for Isabel wines. Isabel's modern winery is situated in the middle of the vineyard. It combines the very best of high technology and low technology equipment to maximise vineyard flavours. French Oak barriques are utilised for wine maturation rather than for oak flavour.

This will be a perfect partner to Great with a venison stew or braised lamb.

 

Dog Point Pinot Noir - 2011 Offer Price £22.25 ~ Saving £5 a bottle!

Vibrant red fruit, a perfume of violets with underlying savoury notes of dried herbs. Richly flavoured red fruit, bright spice, infused savouriness, well integrated oak, soft fleshy tannins.

Located in Marlborough, New Zealand's premium wine growing region, Dog Point Vineyards produce wines that respect the natural integrity of the land from which they are made and, reflect the experience and passion of the people that make them.

All fruit is estate grown, low cropped and hand picked. They combine both modern and traditional wine making techniques to produce hand crafted wines with a point of difference.

Pairs perfectly with Duck, cervena, red meats, truffled venison and mushroom pie.

Awarded 4 stars in the 2014 Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification, by Tyson Stelzer and Matthew Jukes.