On the wine trail in Central Otago

April 4, 2015

As mentioned yesterday, I’m trying my best to make this Queenstown trip holiday rather than a wine tour.

Today was all about wine, however, with visits to Amisfield, Peregrine, Gibbston Valley, Carrick and Mt Difficulty.

Given this was a holiday I took no notes, but plenty of broad impressions:

– Pinot Gris continues to put in a claim as Central Otago’s premium white variety. If the alcohol doesn’t stick out, and the acidity is well handled, good, ripe, textural Pinot Gris is a regional go-to. Special mention to Amisfield’s full flavoured ’14 Pinot Gris for nailing it.

– Some of the ’12 Pinots look quite awkward. A late, mixed season (with November snow and late vintage heat) means that wines can look a little lumpy, especially next to the more open and juicy ’13s. Carrick’s structured 2012 Bannockburn Pinot Noir looked the pick of the ’12s today, as did the pricey, but cleverly made, ’12 Mt Difficulty Long Gully Pinot.

– Riesling looks like a hard slog. Just getting the sweetness balance right seems hard enough, with the driest wines underwhelmed the most. Many producers seem to be pouring older vintages, so looks like consumers don’t seem to be buying them either.

Tomorrow will be almost wine free. Maybe…

Central Otago, Wine

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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2 responses to “On the wine trail in Central Otago”

@davemarine

April 4, 2015 at 10:00 pm

Definitely know the conflict of traveling in a wine region and trying to avoid turning it into a wine trip. My partner gives me 'the look' which says we've been going to too many vineyards/wineries. We'll be in Queestown in a couple of weeks ourselves so I'm keen to hear about what you enjoyed

Reply
1. ozwinereview
  
  April 5, 2015 at 5:55 am
  
  I'm here with my family and they actually have a pretty high tolerance to days spent in vineyards and wineries which is so good.
  
  Now, firm recommendation for Dart River jet boats, bar at Eichardts hotel (good local beers too) and I thought Carrick cellar door a highlight for wine and range available.
  
  Queenstown is excellent
  
  Reply