Palliser Estate 2008 Pinot Noir

Martinborough, New Zealand -

Palliser Estate Pinot was one of the highlights of Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010. It is easy to overlook the quality and charms of this well-established vineyard in favour of hip, new wines and the big-ticket blockbuster set.
There’s a roundness and richness to Palliser fruit that’s quite irresistible and that’s cleverly contrasted with savoury elements. ‘All class and interest,’ my underlined notes read from the Wellington event.

For a newly released wine, 2008 Palliser Pinot has already gathered some excellent reviews -

“A rich and dense nose displaying dark cherry, spice and subtle mushroom characters. It’s succulent and beautifully textured on the palate with lovely mid palate weight and fine, supple tannins. It’s youthful and well flavoured with a lingering delicious finish. A stylish Pinot that’s sure to mature gracefully. At its best: now to 2014.” Sam Kim – Wine Orbit, 5 stars, Rating: 93/100

“Vine age, a good Martinborough year and winemaker Allan Johnson’s experience have brought forth an intense, chunky, dark rendition, smoky oak playing a supporting role. When was the last time you tasted a Palliser Pinot that failed to give you pleasure?” 4 1/2 stars, Cuisine Magazine Nov 2009

In short, Palliser is a sumptuous pinot for relatively few pinot dollars.