2012 Quartz Reef Pinot Noir Central Otago (Biodynamic) (Elsewhere $40)
SKU #1165739
94 points
James Suckling
A ripe dark and plush pinot noir that is typical of this Bendigo vineyard, plush ripe raspberry compote and darker black fruits, cedary oak is layered in deftly, some gentle spice too. The palate has an engaging mix of concentrated rich fruit and elegant fine tannins that wrap smoothly around the fleshy core, great balance and length - superb wine, finishes fresh.
(4/2014)
93 points
Bob Campbell
Made from biodynamic grapes grown in the Bendigo district. Dense, ripe sweet fruit flavors with red and black cherry, plum, spice and a suggestion of floral characters. Impressively powerful, focused wine with good development potential. Tasted nine months later the wine has developed an appealing perfumed aroma of violets and wild thyme. Charming, silken wine with a great texture.
92 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92+ points: Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2012 Pinot Noir has an enticing nose of crushed cranberries, pomegranate and red cherries with hints of loam, iron ore and wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied and put together with a great structure of medium to firm finely grained tannins and enlivening acid, it has plus plenty of fruit to flesh it out the frame and finishes long with earthy, mineral suggestions. Drink it now to 2018+. (LPB)
(10/2013)
K&L Notes
A simply stunning new release from one of New Zealand's most accomplished winemakers in what is quickly becoming the most highly celebrated vintage of all time in Central Otago. Austrian born Rudi Bauer has been making wines for three decades in New Zealand and has a hard-earned reputation as one of the most quality-orientated winemakers in the business. His estate sits in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago. The vines, which are lovingly hand-tended and certified organic / biodynamic, have roots in complex soils of fine clays, gravel moraines and quartz crystal. This unique site produces Pinot Noir with profound focus, power, linear drive and multiple layers of textural complexity. There is a real purity to Rudi's wines that comes from immaculate fruit and very non-interventionist winemaking. The 2012 is one of the finest I have tasted from this estate. It has a beautiful youthful exuberance and expressive flavors but without doubt will also be a wine for the ages; I believe this wine will age spectacularly for 10+ years. (Ryan Woodhouse - K&L NZ Wine Buyer) Raymond Chan: 92+ "Moderately full, dark ruby-red colour with purple hues. The nose is fresh with concentrated aromas of vibrant, dark red cherry and berry fruits, revealing nuances of pepper, fresh herbs…and minerals. Medium-full bodied, tightly concentrated flavors of dark red cherry fruit, spices and liquorice form a firm core with linearity and drive."