Opawa pinot noir

Posted On October 17, 2009

Everyone knows about the fantastic sauvignon blanc whites the Kiwis make, but increasingly the New Zealanders are attracting massive praise for their pinot noir reds. I tried the Opawa Marlborough pinot noir 2008 at the St John’s Chop House, and found it exquisite. It’s a gorgeously deep colour, and the first whiff conveys a smokiness that’s there in the taste. It is smooth, and the fruit has a cherry-like softness. It is decidedly creamy, and has lovely lingering spices that stay in the mouth afterwards. It comes at 14 percent. This is a real class act that I can see becoming one of my regular favourites.