There is much high-quality Pinot Noir emanating from New Zealand but as usual here in Ontario we see very little of it. As we have in British Columbia and in Ontario some very decent Pinot Noir we needn’t cry too much. But on occasion why not dip our feet in a different pond and we do so now with a Trinity Hill from Marlborough.
Aroma: Raspberry wins the struggle of the fruit. But some bright red cherry and a tad of mocha.
Palate: Gentle tannins initially that quickly augment to the moderate range with a deep penetrating lightning bolt of raspberry shocking with the deepest purity. A gentle raspy acidity but I emphasize gentle but perhaps discrete might be a better adjective. A long finish.
Personality: In Canada we once had a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation children’s television show “The Friendly Giant”. Assuming that show was still playing this wine would be a suitable guest star!
Food match: Many Pinot Noirs are delightful as a sipping wine. Of course, you are free as a bird to sip and slurp this Pinot Noir but it would welcome some duck rillette, with paté and a big chunk of Morbiere cheese listening to France Musique jazz with Nathalie Piolé. Yes when last in Paris in November 2019 at my friend’s condo way out of the tourist zone many a dinner frequently consisted of all sorts of “nibbles” including cheese from the supermarket 5 minutes away at prices that would cause a Canadian to weep…with joy and of course cool jazz.
Cellarbility: Whilst neither aggressive or sensually elegant there are enough tannins and a lack of dangerous acidity to surmise this will coast into 2027 without any aborted landings of which I just had one in Ponta Delgado in the Azores three weeks ago. If I was a cat that was my eighth life used. One more to go.
Price: $22.95 with LCBO Manager Discount otherwise $28.95.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100. Sam Kim 90/100. Try and find an equivalent Burgundian Pinot Noir at this price!
(Trinity Hill 2020 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, Trinity Hill Wines Limited, Hastings, New Zealand, 750 mL, 14%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 25802).
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