Pencarrow Pinot Noir 08

Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2008 (17.0+/20), 13.5% alc, 76% of the fruit from Martinborough, indigenous yeasts and 9 months in French oak. The second label for Palliser Estate. Bright ruby red in colour with depth. This had an elegant nose of fresh red cherry fruits, quite open and accessible, a touch on the lighter side of expression. This rests on its structure, the wine having grip and concentration from the tannins. Though with bright and fresh fruit, the wine is on the side of leanness and seems a fraction austere. Drink over the next 2-4 years.  RC July 10

As wine writer Michael Cooper says “Palliser Estate’s second tier red is as good as many wineries top labels”. If offers extremely good value, even as the premium label does, against its peers. This 2008 Pencarrow Pinot Noir, made wholly from Martinborough fruit, is one out of the box. Good full ruby coloured, this is full of solidly rich red and black berry fruits with plum notes and is juicy and round with archetype savoury, game notes on a fleshy, up-front palate with supple tannin backbone. Veteran winemaker Allan Johnson employed the traditional burgundian techniques of pre-fermentation maceration, wild yeast fermentation and maturation for 9 months in French oak casks to make this very flavoursome wine. The premium Palliser Estate Pinot Noir is more elegant and refined, and will age better, but this Pencarrow wine is a minor marvel.  RC Nov 09

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