Pinot Noir
75cl * Vegan * Sustainable * 13.5% ABV * Nelson, New Zealand
Nelson is New Zealand’s sunniest wine region and has largely escaped mass production winemaking thanks to its isolated setting at the northern tip of the South Island. Pioneer founders Tim and Judy Finn founded Neudorf, one of the area’s top boutique wineries, here in the late 1970s in the Moutere sub-region. In the years that followed, they experimented with different varieties to see which would work best in the moisture-rich clay soils, but it was Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that have propelled them to renown.
Organics are ‘the very heart of Neudorf’, and the winemaking team’s desire to tread gently is reflected in every decision they make. All Moutere blocks are either certified or in conversion and the winery is solar-powered. Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability continues with a number of green initiatives in place, from switching to lightweight bottles, to composting all winery and food waste, to using a flock of sheep to compost, mow and fertilise their vineyards. The winery is also part of the ‘Family of Twelve’, a group of New Zealand winemakers who are determined to maintain individuality and character in their wines.
Tom’s Block Pinot Noir is a superb single vineyard Pinot Noir grown on the estate’s signature Moutere soils which help emphasise the elegance and rich red fruit character of the variety. The fruit is 100% hand-harvested and ageing takes place in French oak barrels (15% new) for 10 months. The result is a complex, multi-layered Pinot Noir that opens with delicate notes of raspberries, sour cherry and cranberries underscored by hints of baked earth, dried herbs and spice. The nose opens up to reveal deep and dark winter stone fruit note. The palate is a woven series of dark plum and cloves, with underlying umami and savoury notes and a long, moreish finish.
Proudly bottled un-fined and unfiltered to ensure nothing is lost from this gem, but no need to decant before serving.
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2024
"Dense, intense pinot noir with dark cherry, peat, malt, anise, spice and dried mushroom flavours - a complex mix of fruit and savoury elements. A deliciously accessible wine that should develop well." 95 points, Five Stars, Bob Campbell MW
"Bright cherry red. Savoury nose followed by rather sweeter-than-suggested fruit. Attractive nuance and ferny notes in a suitably transparent structure. Appetising dry, chalky finish. Fairly light." 16 points, Jancis Robinson MW
"Ripe blueberry and attractive red cherry, stony. Toasty, sweet oak with baking spice: vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Fresh acidity." 90 points, Tim Atkin MW