Tasting Report: 60 Cool New Pinot Noirs From Marlborough

Marlborough may be most famous as the fast-flowing spring of ultra-fruity sauvignon blanc, but the most interesting side to the region is unequivocally that of pinot noir.

Whilst sauvignon is grown mostly on gravelly river soils, a high-cropping form of almost hydroponic farming (where very little actual soil is used), pinot noir is gifted more coveted clay soils and, as you would expect, sits at the front of the queue in terms of site selection.

The region delivers a style of pinot that is instantly likeable – much the same way as its sauvignon is – yet there’s plenty of pinot being made that delivers superior depth, complexity and interest. 

Some older vineyards with an established pedigree like Clayvin have paved the way for winemakers to start to identify more consistently superior sites, and there’s a real move to named site wines offering more than just a brand name as a reference point.

The 2013 vintage has proved to be a very successful one for the region’s pinot-makers, with the wines having a striking sense of definition, clarity and approachability. The wines show their tannins as a real feature, have plenty of light and shade and sacrifice nothing in the way of transparency.

They’re mostly going to be drunk young but many of the top wines will prove their pedigree over a half dozen or more years in the cellar. The biggest issue here is that they are so darn tempting right now.

Contributing Editor Nick Stock is a renowned Australian wine writer, author, presenter and filmmaker who reports on his worldwide wine tasting experiences for JamesSuckling.com.