So continuing the journey…I have been pretty excited about this one. I have never really tried New World Pinot properly. While I love Burgundy I am often disappointed, and it’s often overpriced.
This tasting really comes to the core of why I am doing this competition- 1) to try exciting new regions outside my comfort zone, but also 2) we all know Burgundy is better at the upper end and if you have no budget, but how do they compare if you have a price limit and take two similarly priced wines?
A reminder of the ‚competition‘ below, notes in the comments.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1faffpp/would_anyone_like_to_follow_my_wine_world_cup_reds/
by rob1001-
2 Comments
Key stats:
2014 Aroha Te Muna Road, Craggy Range, Region/Subregion: Martinborough, Hawke’s Bay, 100% Pinot Noir, Alcohol: 13.5%, Ratings: Parker: 93/100, Suckling: 96/100, Spectator: 93/100, Jancis Robinson: 17/20, Vivino: 4.3/5Ö Value: 78 EUR paid Feb24
2015 Georges Lignier et Fils, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru ‚Les Combottes’, Region/Sub-Region: Burgundy, Cotes-de-Nuis, Gevrey-Chambertin, Aux Combottes, 100% Pinot Noir, Alcohol: 13%, Ratings: Galloni: 92/100, Jancis Robinson: 17/20, Vivino: 4.4/5, Value: 76 EUR paid Feb24
About the vineyards:
Craggy Range – In the shadow of the Mata Peak hills, they follow a clear single vineyard philosophy to display the terroir. They use 50% of the famous Abel Pinot noir clone, rumoured to be stolen from Romanée Conti in the 70s. The hills allow for a cool climate but a long and dry late summer, and harvesting takes place 2 weeks later than in other parts of NZ. Grown on the upper terrace of the Te Muna Road Vineyard, a narrow band of clay over stone leads to balance between power and complexity. 35% new oak barrels for 14 months.
Aux Combottes – A 4,5 hectare vineyard surrounded by Grand Crus, the southernmost Premier Cru vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin, on the border with Morey-Saint-Denis. A slight depression vs neighbours keeps it from Grand Cru status, with a gap in the Cote d’Or hillside (the Combe Grisard) meaning a cooler climate thanks to westerly winds. Clay-limestone soil, light and gravelly, good water storage. Vines 55-60 years old. Aged for 18 months in small oak barrells, 1/3 are new.
Tasting:
First we tasted the Te Muna Road. Ripe red berries and cherries despite the 10y age. At the same time complex forest floor and Burgundy flavours, well balanced by the acidity. Fresh and light, despite 14% alcohol. Light red fruits buzzing on the tongue, great energy. Alcohol well balanced with acid. The burgundy was less fruity, perhaps a little too much so, but well balanced, strong forest floor flavours, enjoyable tannins, a very fine wine.
Verdict:
In terms of guessing which was which, the Burgundy was still easy to identify. But the question of the favourite…a very close one, the closest so far. It was evenly split 2 vs 2, but my deciding vote swung it in favour of the New Zealand pinot. Surprising perhaps, but I felt it was a better all round wine, well balanced despite riper fruit. Perhaps controversial, would be interested in everyone’s views
Great details and great research done, I’m sure, finding such a cool side-by-side!