2007 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir

A harmonious and integrated bouquet with a mix of primary darker red fruits and bottle development characters; cinnamon and cedarwood suggestions, quite complex overall.  These attributes are reflected on the palate with perhaps a little less primary fruit, but harmonious all the same, fine dusty tannins and medium acidity, lovely balance and length. Drink now and through 2020.

There's a lot of darkly toasted, spicy oak dominating this wine at present, although undertones of sweet fruit, mineral and a taffeta finish manage to emerge, giving it some charm.

Definitely for those who enjoy oaky wines.

The 2007 Pinot Noir is Two Paddock’s typical rustic take on Central Otago Pinot. An odd nose at first, almost soapy, but it comes together with further time in the glass. A little stemmy (as usual) but certainly with character. The palate is medium-bodied with touches of thyme lacing the red-berried fruit, showing a degree of elegance on the finish. Individual, but intriguing. I tasted Sam Neill’s wines both blind and at a well-organized public Central Otago tasting.

Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2007 (89pts) (and its kinder!) Good medium red. Captivating aromas of red fruits, dried flowers, cinnamon and smoke. Sweet, suave and light on its feet, with lovely energy to the red berry and mineral flavors. A pure and refined pinot that finishes classically dry and with enticing peppery lift.

A note of coconut on the nose. Nice moderate weight. A lighter style with sweet blackberry fruit and spices. Integrated toasty oak with a note of bacon-fat. Excellent balance and finish.

Any cynicism that Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks venture may not be all that serious is dispelled the minute this wine unravels in the glass. A little Gibbston fruit is used to support the bounty of Neill’s Alexandra vineyard and the result is an impressive wine showing abundant dark skinned fruit, a fine herbal edge and gently gripping tannins.

Attractive wine with finely focused fruit flavours and an ethereal texture. Elegant and charming Pinot Noir that's very accessible now. Red cherry and spicy oak are the dominant flavours.

The 2007 vintage is full-coloured, rich and supple, with finely balanced cherry, plum and spice flavours, well-integrated oak, and a long finish. Floral, savoury and refined, its already drinking well.