Description

Quartz Reef offers a pure expression of ripe Pinot Noir. Vibrant plums and cherries, spicy, mineral. The wine has good body supported with fine tannins. The palate is long finishing and tasty. Pair it with mushroom risotto. Drink now through to 2024.

Since 1996 Rudi Bauer has been the custodian of the Bendigo Estate vineyard. The vines are on a sun-drenched north-facing slope, this is where one of the best reds from Otago is grown. In total, the winery has 30 hectares to produce sparkling, Pinot Gris and others. Rudi’s skill is proven by the amount of contract work he carries out too. The style here shows restraint and a soft touch, something that is atypical of the region and a reflection of the quality of their terroir.

Central Otago

Grabbed more than their share of world renown for full-bodied and powerful Pinot. Searching beyond you’ll find pockets of fascinating wines from subregional experiments to aromatic whites.

Pinot Noir

This is the most elusive grape. It is relatively early ripening and extremely sensitive to terroir. Its perfect place on earth is the Cote d’Or in Burgundy. So haunting are great red Burgundy’s charms that growers everywhere try to emulate them. Pinot Noir is not just a one-trick pony, it can make great reds, rosé, sparkling and even sweet wines, whites on occasion and I’ve tasted a decent fortified Pinot Noir too.