Recommendation: A “New World” Pinot Noir that was trying to be a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winery/Producer: Nga Waka Vineyard; Martinborough, New Zealand.
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Martinborough, New Zealand.
Vintage: 2013
Price: $29.99 (NZ$) about $22.70 (US$) plus a $20 corking fee.
Purchased From: Glengarry Wines, City Store; Auckland, New Zealand.
Paired With: Caesar salad with garlic and parmesan cheese. Roast rack of pork with spiced apple puree, savoy cabbage, cauliflower, caper with tomato la grette and cocotte potatoes.
Tasting:
He said: Clear, dark ruby red color. Mushroom and cherry aromas with hints of alcohol (in only the first pour). Dry and dusty with lots of cherry in the taste. All this continues with a slightly aggressive long fruity finish with strong firm tannins. “New World” Pinot Noir through and through, and I would call it a Pinot Noir that was trying to be a Cabernet Sauvignon!!! It went well with the pork, but probably would be even better with a juicy piece of beef. It’s not smooth or a shrinking violet Pinot Noir but it does have character. An OK New Zealand Pinot Noir.
She said: Translucent ruby with thin legs that raced down the glass. Full of red cherry with wet leather aroma that developed into a full mouth feel of similar flavors with an added touch of spice. Pleasant tannins and fruity flavors passed into the long very tasty finish. Delicious with the pork which had a great balance of flavors that complemented each other. The pork was set on an apple puree which did not go with the wine and was ignored. This Pinot Noir was powerful, had a full body and would pair well with many strong flavored foods. It was a great New World Pinot Noir for those of us who love red wines with big robust flavors!
Comments: Purchased from an Auckland, New Zealand wine shop and consumed in the Britannia Restaurant on board the Cunard Queen Mary 2.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bar code: 9 421004 950756
Imported by: NA