Pinot Noir `Block B` Schubert 2019/2020
£43.95 per bottle
95 point Decanter wine
Decanter (James Doidge): “Meaty, spicey aromas with a minty palate: concentrated and complex combining sweet cherry fruit with classic earthy and mushroom notes, and a mere touch of vanilla. Herbal, savoury, earthy, with a decent finish.” 95/100 points
ABV 14.5%
Tasting Notes
Located within the Wairarapa Valley of Martinborough, the region is cooler and drier than any other on the North Island, and like Marlborough across the Cook Strait, it is exposed to cold winds that funnel in from the southern ocean. Intense aromas of blackcurrant and cherry along with smole and tobacco notes. Aged in both old and new French oak barriques for 16 months, the wine is full bodied with rich and elegant textures.
Food
Barbecued meats, spicy sausage and bean casserole, red onion tart and salad.
Media
Lisa Perroti Brown of The Wine Advocate awarded 93+ points in January 2016 and is in the top three of her top current releases of 2015.
Region
Martinborough, located within the Wairarapa Valley, was the first of New Zealand`s wine regions to establish world class credentials for producing Pinot Noir. It is east of Wellington, surrounded by the Tararua Mountains with vines planted on alluvial gravel river beds with a limestone subsoil. The Wairarapa Valley is cooler and drier than any other North Island wine region, and like Marlborough across the Cook Strait, it is exposed to the cold winds that funnel in from the ocean. Sauvignon is full flavoured and aromatic, Pinot Noir is impressive with great depth and weight. Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah all successfully achieve high quality wines.
Producer
Schubert Wines was established by Kai Schubert, a graduate from the Viticulture and Oenology University in Geisenheim, Germany. Working with eminent winemaker Erni Loosen of Bernkastel, Kai gained huge experience working in Europe, the US and South America. In 1998, he acquired a small established vineyard at Dakins Road, Martinborough. Predominantly focused on Pinot Noir, Kai has expanded plantings to include Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Small quantities of white grapes are also planted and result in soft, fruit driven wines.