Two Paddocks Single Vineyard Pinot Noir / 'The Last Chance'
December 21, 2024
Post by Mick
The Last Chance Pinot Noir 2015, from class producers 'Two Paddocks' in Central Otago. One of their three ‘Proprietor's Reserve’ series single estate Pinot Noirs, released in limited quantities - following exceptional growing seasons. ⠀
Of all the sub-regions in Central, Alexandra is the most southerly and has recorded some of New Zealand's highest AND lowest ever temperatures. Those extremes impart a significant influence on the style of wines produced there.⠀
For me, this wines bouquet is gorgeously endowed with a forrest full of perfumed florals, flattered with vibrant red fruit (cherry mainly), muddled spices and soft, piquant oak. Full and rich on the palate, the weight is cleverly managed with precisional tannic structure and a military like postured spine of acidity. Flavours are obviously fruit forward, screaming with joyous dark berries, with just a smidgeon of botanical herb garden. The tannins are beginning to soften, whilst still standing guard over a relatively youthfull, primary fruit flavour profile. Excellent flow from the vibrant and welcoming front palate, right through to the immeasurably generous, round finish..🍒🤤⠀
The grapes are sourced from a breathtaking two hectare site above the Clutha River in the Earnscleugh Valley, making it one of the worlds most southerly vineyards. Planted in 1998 on a variety of Bugundian clones (5, 6, 115, Able and 777) the terrace is north facing on schist based soils and organically farmed and certified through BoiGro NZ. The wine takes its name from the historic water race that runs through the property ''The Last Chance'', hand carved by the gold minors back in the 1860's which, incedently, still provides water to the property.⠀
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Robert M.Parker Jr. liked it, he gave it 93+ points!! 🍇🍷🇳🇿 ⠀
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“We grow our premium Two Paddocks Pinot Noir entirely on our four small vineyards in Central Otago. In some exceptional vintages, listening carefully, we realize that one of these may have something extraordinary to say in its own right. It is only then that we will make one of these very rare single vineyard wines.” ⠀
Of all the sub-regions in Central, Alexandra is the most southerly and has recorded some of New Zealand's highest AND lowest ever temperatures. Those extremes impart a significant influence on the style of wines produced there.⠀
For me, this wines bouquet is gorgeously endowed with a forrest full of perfumed florals, flattered with vibrant red fruit (cherry mainly), muddled spices and soft, piquant oak. Full and rich on the palate, the weight is cleverly managed with precisional tannic structure and a military like postured spine of acidity. Flavours are obviously fruit forward, screaming with joyous dark berries, with just a smidgeon of botanical herb garden. The tannins are beginning to soften, whilst still standing guard over a relatively youthfull, primary fruit flavour profile. Excellent flow from the vibrant and welcoming front palate, right through to the immeasurably generous, round finish..🍒🤤⠀
The grapes are sourced from a breathtaking two hectare site above the Clutha River in the Earnscleugh Valley, making it one of the worlds most southerly vineyards. Planted in 1998 on a variety of Bugundian clones (5, 6, 115, Able and 777) the terrace is north facing on schist based soils and organically farmed and certified through BoiGro NZ. The wine takes its name from the historic water race that runs through the property ''The Last Chance'', hand carved by the gold minors back in the 1860's which, incedently, still provides water to the property.⠀
⠀
Robert M.Parker Jr. liked it, he gave it 93+ points!! 🍇🍷🇳🇿 ⠀
⠀
“We grow our premium Two Paddocks Pinot Noir entirely on our four small vineyards in Central Otago. In some exceptional vintages, listening carefully, we realize that one of these may have something extraordinary to say in its own right. It is only then that we will make one of these very rare single vineyard wines.” ⠀
-Sam Neill, Proprietor⠀
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