Our New Zealand Wines

Central Otago

Lamont Pinot Noir 2005
This red wine is 100% Pinot Noir from clones 667, 777, 115, and Able in clay soils that drain but provide minerality flavors. The vineyard is as far below the equator as Burgundy is above it; however, there is no pollution in Central Otago, and this region has generated a reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noirs. In this vintage the weather was warm and the grapes ripened evenly and early. The grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed. After a cold soak, the wine fermented in French oak bariques for 11 months, 35% of which was new. The wine has berry, vanilla, and dried floral notes on the nose. This deeply rich, concentrated Pinot Noir has an excellent tannin structure and delivers a supple, mouth-filling mid-palate which finishes with plumy characters and notes of licorice and dark chocolate. Pair with game, cervena,or red meats. With proper storage this wine will be best from 2012 - 2017. From Bendigo in the Central-Otago region. Winemakers Lindsay McLachlan and Craig Daly. In August 2006 the 2003 Lamont Pinot Noir won gold at the Winewise Small Vigneron Awards in Australia; also cited as an excellent value.
Lamont Riesling 2005
This white wine is 100% Riesling from clones GM289 and GM110 which had 3 months lees contact in stainless steel. 2005 provided low yields in a cool season with a dry autumn; there were 22 Brix at harvest. There is 5.2 residual sugar in the wine. The nose displays a meld of oranges. lemons, and floral blossoms. This luscious, mouth-filling Riesling combines a near-perfect acid balance with a concentrated finesse. The rich, almost viscous palate, derived from the extremely low cropping levels, shows lemon-lime influences and notes of fresh pineapple on the finish. Goes well with aperitif, spicy dishes, cheese, and fruit. With proper storage this wine will improve through 2010. From Bendigo in the Central-Otago region. Winemakers Lindsay McLachlan and Craig Daly.