2003 Olssens Slapjack Creek Reserve Pinot Noir
Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 9:07 am
2003 Olssens Slapjack Creek Reserve Pinot Noir - Central Otago, NZ - 14.5%
Very bright pink/purple. Ripe red cherries, candied strawberries, musky spices with lesser amounts of leather, sap, sweet beetroot and excellently judged caramel oak. Powerful, deep and controlled front palate. A serious attempt at World class Pinot Noir has been made here, as opposed to yet another dark, brooding New Zealand Pinot Noir. Wonderfully integrated fresh acidity. Holds its alcohol extremely well. Although there are no holes throughout the length of the palate, this wine lacks depth on the middle and back. The lack of tannic structure no doubt being a cause of this. What tannins that are present are very, very fine proving reasonable length, just not excitement. Nonetheless, this is a classy and harmonious wine that is extremely enjoyable drink but simply lacks the fruit quality to place it in the top Pinot Noir echelon. Two years in the bottle should provide some benefit though. 17.4/20, 91/100.
Kind regards,
Adair
Very bright pink/purple. Ripe red cherries, candied strawberries, musky spices with lesser amounts of leather, sap, sweet beetroot and excellently judged caramel oak. Powerful, deep and controlled front palate. A serious attempt at World class Pinot Noir has been made here, as opposed to yet another dark, brooding New Zealand Pinot Noir. Wonderfully integrated fresh acidity. Holds its alcohol extremely well. Although there are no holes throughout the length of the palate, this wine lacks depth on the middle and back. The lack of tannic structure no doubt being a cause of this. What tannins that are present are very, very fine proving reasonable length, just not excitement. Nonetheless, this is a classy and harmonious wine that is extremely enjoyable drink but simply lacks the fruit quality to place it in the top Pinot Noir echelon. Two years in the bottle should provide some benefit though. 17.4/20, 91/100.
Kind regards,
Adair
