Pioneer Block 16 Awatere Pinot Noir  2010 Marlborough - NEW ZEALAND
 
UPC/EIN Code : 6 91136 11131 1
 

The Awatere vineyard is named from a north-facing hillside vineyard, overlooking the Awatere Valley, 25km south of Blenheim. The vines are planted closely together on a north facing slope on devigourating soils. A long ripening season provided ideal conditions for the development of concentrated flavors and ripe tannin. This is a complex and concentrated wine which is perfect for drinking immediately. With careful cellaring this wine will continue to develop for years to come. It has a dark glossy garnet core with purple hues on the rim. A concentrated nose with black cherry, wild blackberry and sweet ripe raspberry, complemented by aromatics of violets, dried thyme and a touch of spice. A luscious and elegant full palate with delicious black fruits - boysenberries, blackberries, and blueberries. A refined, elegant structure supports a rich complex toasty finish with spice and amazing length. Beautifully matched with duck casserole, rare venison steaks or warm pumpkin and feta salad.


(Check to print this review) 91 Points Year's Best Wine & Spirits, February 2012 "Grown on north-facing slopes of windblown loess over clay, this pinot noir pops with licorice and bright cranberry scents. It's fresh and tangy, the fruitiness on the surface deepened by earth scents over oak savor. A crisp-lined pinot for planked salmon."
(Check to print this review) 90+ Points  Wine Advocate, October 2011 "Matured for 10 months in French oak barriques (54% new), the 2010 Pioneer Block 16 Pinot Noir casts a medium-deep ruby-purple color, giving notes of mulberries, fresh blackberries and red currants with hints of cedar, moss covered bark and lavender. Medium bodied, it gives a generous amount of ripe berry flavors in the mouth, well structured by crisp acid and a medium level of fine-grained tannins, finishing long and toasty. Approachable now, it should cellar through 2016+."
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