In these days the corporate and governmental fantasy of Global Inclusion runs amok and in real terms necessitates Global Exclusion of others. So I had a bad experience a few months ago with a New Zealand North Canterbury Pinot Noir by the name of Nor’wester. A disaster but I do not need the Global Inclusion police reminding me to avoid excluding all Zealie Pinot Noirs because being able to think free and clear of propaganda I made a choice to keep trying Zealie Pinot Noirs.
So we try a Zealie Pencarrow 2020 Pinot Noir from Martinborough in the North Island. Not that this means much but there was a rather noisy pop when unscrewing the Stelvin cap. Fear of volatile acidity?
Aroma: The Nor’wester seemed choked by too much wood. Unfortunately heavy oak is on the edge of holding this wine hostage and a bit strange as it has spent 10 months in French oak of which 25% was new. It almost smells like American oak. Putting the oak flotsam aside classic Pinot Noir with raspberry, cherry and strawberry.
Palate: Gentle but certainly not invisible tannins and we can’t blame “Pop” with the unscrewing of its cap on acid as it is certainly harmonized in the wine. Notes of raspberry tart and burnt pie crust with a slight bitterness in the aftertaste. Where has the fruit gone. Short brackish finish.
My Personality: Seems to me there is some exclusion occurring here. Is someone confusing of the style of the wine with its quality. Call the Global Inclusion Police as this writer hates oak, French Oak and Zealie (as he flippantly refers to New Zealand as) Pinot Noir. Best you read Luca Macaroni or James Suckingup for a honest and fair review!
Food Match: To match the smoke in the wine Cabbage rolls with smoked paprika!
Cellarbility: Drink now.
Price: $30 CDN (New Zealand).
RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 84/100. Sam Kim 93.
(Pencarrow 2020 Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand, Palliser Estate Wines, Martinborough, New Zealand, 750 mL, 14%).
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