July 2008, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2009

2007 Two Paddocks First Paddocks Pinot Noir

Grown in Sam Neill’s original Central Otago vineyard, planted at Gibbston in 1993, the 2007 vintage was matured for 11 months in French Oak barriques (30% new). Rich and youthful in colour, it is sweet fruited, savoury and concentrated, with delicious deep plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity. It’s already delicious, but has the structure to mature well.