9 July 2003, Otago Daily Times

By Charmian Smith

Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2001

****1/2 V+ -- (about $38) from Sam Neill's vineyards at Gibbston and Alexandra, shows just how delicious and charming good Central Otago pinot noir can be with that extra year's bottle age. Sam Neill plans to release his wines when they are ready to drink, according to marketing manager Ruth Elliott. This is powerful and harmonious with layers of flavours - velvety sweet fruit, spicy oak, smoky, gamey, savoury overtones and an attractive, crisp texture. Although it's delicious now, it will develop further over the next year or two.

© Copyright 2003, Otago Daily Times (New Zealand). Posted with the permission of the publisher.