6 January 2002, Sunday Star Times

by Michael Cooper

Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 1999

**** 1/2, $37 -- Sam Neill is better known as an actor than vineyard owner but who wouldn't want to taste his Two Paddocks Pinot Noir, grown at Gibbston, in Central Otago? Everyone wants to try Sam Neill's wine.

The 1997 and 1998 vintages were promising but not distinguished. The good news is that Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 1999 (**** 1/2, $37) is by far the best yet. A full coloured, generous wine with sweet fruit delights, deep cherry, plum and spice flavours and a firm foundation of tannin, it's fairly priced and ranks among the regions most impressive 1999 pinot noirs.