Picnic Wine

2006 Picnic Pinot Noir

The label shows the proprietor's grandparents picnicking at Karitane Beach, Otago circa 1919. The jovial chap with a pipe is Sidney Neill, importer of French wines, among other things. The poor little blighter in the Toulouse-Latrec tie is Dermot Neill, then aged 4 years. Also in the foreground is Gwladys Neill, formidable matriarch and avid picnicker. In the background and weighing 20 lbs Gertrude Elworthy (nee Neill), the proprietor's esteemed aunt.

Sourced from throughout the Central Otago region our Picnic Pinot Noir 2006 is again a diminutive approachable wine ideal for every day enjoyment – well we do!

Aromas of redcurrant, dark chocolate and spice lead to a warm soft but elegant texture on the palette with a delicate lingering finish.

Be quick, as its already racing out the Cellar Door!
Drink: 2007 - 2010

Viticulturalist: Richard Flatman

Winemaker: Dean Shaw

Available: June 2007

Drink: 2007 - 2010

Export: Australia; Canada; USA

Reviews:

Two Paddocks has made three stylish pinots this year – the stylish, charming Two Paddocks First Paddock 2006 (4 Stars); the oaky textural Two Paddocks Central Otago Pinot Noir (31/2 Stars), but for drinking now, the Picnic has the charm of youth with lots of fruit nicely balanced with a hint of spice, and a good finish. -- Charmian Smith, Otago Daily Times, 1 August 2007

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Deep colour, showing some early development. Funky notes on the nose.  Palate is of moderate intensity with some depth and rather firm tannins. -- Wine NZ Magazine

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A drink-young style, the 2006 vintage (***½) was grown in Central Otago. Matured in French oak barriques, it’s very charming, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing very good depth, a touch of complexity and gentle tannins. -- Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2008

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From the South Island’s pinot haven, Central Otago, the 2006 Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir is hard to pass up for value and style, showing plenty of lifted fragrance and bright pinot characters. It shines on the palate with ripe cherry fruit and neatly proportioned tannins that drive even and long, brightened by acidity and lifting through the finish. -- Red Light Specials – Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller Wine –
February/March 2008

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A Central Otago charmer that’s easy to enjoy, this could be served slightly chilled to emphasize the freshness. It does have structure and silky tannins, but really it’s all about soft ripe red berries with a hint of spice and funk. It’s perfect with grilled veal chop or pork tenderloin. -- Search & Enjoy, Margaret Swaine, National Post, Canada, February 23, 2008

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93 points -- As is often the case with pinot noir, multi-vineyard blends give an early indication of the quality of more masterly cuvées that follow.

This is a terrific all-rounder made with a selection of grapes sourced from throughout the southerly Central Otago region of New Zealand and it’s looking good. Plenty of bright fragrance and lifted ripe cherry, some regional mountain herbs; all fine pinot characters. The palate is really the star, some bush honey, ripe cherry fruits and finely proportioned tannins, expanding through the finish.

It’s got good resolve and personality and accurately represents the Two Paddocks house style. Easily one of the best value NZ Pinots on offer. -- The Adelaide Review, Nick Stock, February 14, 2008