About the wine
PICNIC
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.
Once again our perennial favourite – the wine we enjoy everyday and a wonderful introduction to the pleasure of Central Otago Pinot Noir. With fruit predominantly sourced from Two Paddock’s own vineyards, Picnic Pinot Noir 2009 is made in a diminutive style suggesting approachability and value for money, although The Proprietor advises enjoying in moderation…
Tasting Notes
Vintage Comment: A cooler Spring and then there was some good weather through flowering and a positive fruit set was achieved. More than average moisture and less than average growing degree days delayed veraison and maturity, which resulted in a long slow growing season and intense flavour development.
Winemaker’s Notes: A rich ruby colour, with hints of brambles, plums up front, with a distinct herbs and spice in mid palate with the savoury undertones that are distinctive of the vintage. This wine shows good length and depth in its youth and will develop more complexity with bottle age.
pH 3.68 - TA 6.1 g/l - Alc 13.5%
Harvest Dates: 14 April – 5 May 2009
Proprietor: Sam Neill
Viticulturist: Mike Wing
Winemaker: Dean Shaw
Bottled: April 2010.
Total Production: 3000 cases
Cellaring: 2011 – 2017
Reviews
| Award / Reviewer | Date | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Cooper’s Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines | Jan 2011 | ||
A Central Otago regional blend, the 2009 vintage ( ***) tastes like a second tier Two Paddocks Pinot Noir, rather than a sort of picnic Beaujolais. Matured in French oak barrels (25% new), it is full ruby, with strong plum, herb and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and fairly firm tannins. |
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| Sam Kim, Wine Orbit | Dec 2010 | 88 Points | |
It's ripe and lifted on the nose displaying red/black cherry, dried herb and game characters. The palate is lively and well fruited with a juicy mouthfeel and fine tannins. A well balanced and very satisfying Pinot. At its best: now to 2013. |
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| Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate #191 | Oct 2010 | 87 Points | |
Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2009 Picnic Pinot Noir has aromas of black cherries, warm raspberry, cinnamon and cloves. Medium bodied and structured with a low to medium level of silky tannins and a refreshingly high level of acidity, there plenty of juicy fleshing the middle and lingering long into the finish. Drink it now to 2014.
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| Bob Campbell MW | Sep 2010 | 87 Points | |
Light dry wine with subtle cherry flavours supported by fine and drying tannins. A bit short but is solidly varietal and offers reasonable value.
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