Carrick Pinot Noir

Carrick is a well-established vineyard in Bannockurn - arguably Central Otago's 'dress circle'. While others revel in the famously voluptuous fruit from this sub-region, there's something quite unique about the Carrick site that produces seriously well-structured pinots. For that reason they are well indicated for cellaring.

Carrick Excelsior Pinot Noir is the top pinot noir in the range, only released in the best vintages and with at least 4 years bottle age. The 'Excelsior' block is hand-tended to a meticulous degree. This includes pruning, leaf plucking, shoot-thinning and hand harvesting to achieve the best possible quality. The grapes were fermented in small, open-top fermenters using wild yeast and with about 10% whole bunches in the ferment.

Vintage 2009: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Rating 91: 'Medium deep ruby in color, the 2009 Excelsior Pinot Noir shows evolving aromas of kirsch, dried berries and mossy bark with a touch of mocha. Medium to full-bodied, it has a focused core of warm berry and spice flavors with bright acidity and a medium level of very finely grained tannins. It has a long, layered finish. Delicious now, it should cellar to 2016.' Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012

Vintage 2010: Bob Cambell 95 points 5stars - 'Carrick’s top pinot noir label offers greater complexity than the regular label, although its less accessible at this stage. It’s a solidly structured wine made for the long-haul and should merit a higher score in a year or two.' Gourmet Traveler Wine Magazine Aug/Sept 2013

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Also Carrick's 2011 Bannockburn Pinot Noir SPECIAL $46 (RRP $55) which, in typically well-structured and age-worthy Carrick style, has about 10% whole bunch in the ferment with 29% new oak.

Winemaker notes: Chocolate, dark red cherry and layers of rich oak spice form the complex aroma of this wine. The palate is texturally driven with a richness and a density of flavour that shows sweet succulent fruit and exotic spice, all of which is supported and carried by good phenolic weight.

Carrick's vineyards and winery are managed using organic, sustainable practices. Certified BioGrow NZ.

TROPHY BEST RED WINE: 2013 Organic Wine Show.