New from New Zealand
DOMAINE ROAD, CENTRAL OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND.
As we head into a second year where the glut of grapes and wines has caused turmoil in the Kiwi wine industry, with agreements between farmers and big wine companies being torn up and parcels of cheap Sauvignon being dumped on international markets in desperation, we are pinning our colours firmly on the quality mast with Domaine Road. This young winery, only in its 3rd commercial harvest, is destined to become one of the most sought after Pinot Noir producers in the Southern hemisphere. Their 2nd vintage of Pinot has already bought them gold medals, including one at this year’s International Wine Challenge, not only this but their Sauvignon Blanc won a silver at the same competition, and after an extra year in bottle their young vine Riesling is beginning to take on complex hints of diesel and lime.
Graeme and Gillian Crosbie had had very successful careers in real estate when they discovered a perfect plot of land in the centre of the historic gold- mining region f Bannockburn. On a single estate block of 6.5 hectares that was originally an apricot orchard; their main focus is Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The first Pinot vines were planted in 2002 and are now really beginning to show their true character and potential.
It has claimed a 5 star rating in the highly respected Cuisine Magazine’s annual New Zealand Pinot tasting and was judged as the second best Pinot in New Zealand.
It has fresh vibrant tannins that have real energy; it is an intensely pure, very beautiful Pinot Noir.
Domaine Road Riesling, 2008. £11.99
Domaine Road Sauvignon Blanc, 2008. £11.99
Domaine Road Pinot Noir, 2007. £15.99