I haven't acquired a taste for the wines of New Zealand. It is not that I don't like them, I just can't get my head around the QPR - generally speaking, I can get good Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, or even Chile and S. Africa, at better prices...ditto for the Pinots. But tonight's wine was a gift - an infinitely good QPR.The 2003 Churton Pinot Noir (Marlborough) was kindly donated by my good friend Peter, but what I failed to recognize at the time was that this was an aged bottle from his personal cellar (the '07s are on the shelves of the SAQ). An impressive nose of meaty cooked fruit, earthy strawberries, slate and truffles, with a hint of white flowers. Gravelly, bitter fruit on the palate with very nice acidity, silky tannins, and a deceptively long finish. This certainly has the body and acidity to go longer, but I like this one today. Thanks Peter - I would even call this a good QPR if I had to pay for it...
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20
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2 comments:
Weird. What are the chances that we'd both write up a Churton Pinot Noir within a few days of each other, especially given that I almost never write about NZ wines. I hated mine.
Mind meld...saw your write up. I just don't think our palates are that far apart so I have to think (1) vintage variation? or (2) maybe this just needs some age? Anyway, I know I won't locate another of these for a future re-taste, and the local vintage is 2007 now so I won't find your vintage either! Food for thought when we get together for a tasting some day.
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