Review: Schubert 2009 Block B Pinot Noir
- vinterest
- May 7, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Without a doubt pinot noir is our grape of choice. Since we started this blog, most of the pinots we have shared with you have happened to be from France. Both at the premium price point (the 2008 Gevrey Chambertin, the 2005 Maison Maume, and the 2003 Morey St Denis) and more affordable numbers including the 2011 Philippe Charlopin, the 2012 Moillard Haute Cote de Nuits and the Alfred Tritant Bouzy Rouge NV (love that name!) from champagne.
Today we open a pinot from Wairarapa in New Zealand...not to be confused with the Wairua Valley Marlborough from where the 2008 Wither Hills Benmorven hails.
This wine is one of an increasing new world trend of single vineyard wines. The pinot noir grapes of this wine are exclusively grown in the Block B vineyard. The vineyard is run by a German couple (Mario Deimling and Kai Schubert). Following a global search for the optimal place to grow wine (their travels took them to Oregon, Australia and through Europe) they settled in NZ! There's a trend here as Wither Hills was founded by a pinot-addicted Englishman who also relocated to NZ. The Schuberts grow 14 ha of vine and export 90%.
We picked this wine up from Le Clos for NZ$50.
The take: The cork opens with a loud pop. A light, transparent, blood red appearance with good legs. The nose is tomato with hints of cherry. Very musty and earthy initially, wet forest floor. In time the nose is meaty, rich, forward with hints of sour, dark cherry. Initially sharp acidity and dark chocolate. Settles into a smooth, creamy, coffee with a peppery bite. Bit sugary though.
In closing: Creamy dark cafe mocha.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: New Zealand
Region: Wairarapa
Producer: Schubert
Vintage: 2009
Grape: Pinot Noir
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Serving temperature: 16-18°
Price range: Mid-range
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