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Southern Lines Pinot Noir 2021
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandThere is new wine in the BC market, and it is the best-priced Central Otago pinot noir in the province. It is made by Brent and Shirley Rawstron, who planted their first New Zealand vineyard in 1986 and were among the first to produce pinot noir in Canterbury. In 1999, they purchased the first five vineyards in Marlborough, which now form a large block in the heart of Rapaura. They are behind the successful Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc sold on tap in Earls and most other retail outlets by the bottle. Southern Lines is a family-owned business centred around a culture of integrity, transparency, respect, and stewardship of the land. The winery is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. I want to like this wine. Its silky textures and rich pinot noir fruit are easy to sip and affordable. Still, upon cracking the screw cap, it is reductive and stinky, requiring you to aerate the wine by splash decanting or at least agitating it in your glass to let it open up a bit. However, with time, the wine does come around to exhibit the rich, dark Central Otago pinot fruit that can be seductive. Look for an earthy forest floor, savoury dried herbs, dark plummy spice, and a supple finish. Turkey would be a good match.Tasted: 18 February 2023Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml | select private retailers |
Grape: Pinot NoirCSPC: 444530UPC: 9419453000337
