Wines from Central Otago in New Zealand are always a good bet for lovers of muscular but well-balanced pinot noirs.
One of the best pinot specialist producers in Central Otago is Chard Farm at Gibbston, whose cellar door boasts one of the scariest approach roads in the wine business.
Chard Farm is just just 20km from tourism magnet Queenstown, and sources fruit from several different regions to produce a range of pinots that share commonality as well as site differences.
Established in 1987, they are one of the pioneers of wine in Central Otago and have six estate-owned vineyards in the Cromwell and Gibbston regions.
They do not enter competitions; and make wines designed to be paired with food.
These are not cheap wines, but they are considered, composed and charismatic; particularly if you enjoy pinots on the more serious side of the spectrum.
The 2022 vintage single vineyard pinot noirs include The Tiger, The Viper, Mason and newcomer the Hawkesburn vineyard (all $98 RRP), along with the Mata-Au 2022 ($58), an aromatic and silky blend of fruit from the best blocks of three estate vineyards.
The Mason was just a little too macho for my taste, although it will undoubtedly have its admirers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the other three individual vineyard offerings, particularly newcomer the Hawkesburn Vineyard, which replaces the Eliza.
This is from a 20+-year-old vineyard above the Bannockburn inlet and I thought this shone as the choice for immediate enjoyment; plush and very stylish.
John Wallace, who has has held the position of chief winemaker at Chard Farm since 1997, says he is "really happy" with the fruit grown at Hawkesburn.
Wallace is a bit of a drinks all-rounder, also making an IPA - Indian Pale Ale - as well as locally renowned gin.
The Mason was just a little too macho for my taste, although it will undoubtedly have its admirers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the other three individual vineyard offerings, particularly newcomer the Hawkesburn Vineyard, which replaces the Eliza.
This is from a 20+-year-old vineyard above the Bannockburn inlet and I thought this shone as the choice for immediate enjoyment; plush and very stylish.
John Wallace, who has has held the position of chief winemaker at Chard Farm since 1997, says he is "really happy" with the fruit grown at Hawkesburn.
Wallace is a bit of a drinks all-rounder, also making an IPA - Indian Pale Ale - as well as locally renowned gin.
His wines are well worth a splurge.
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