Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2007, Central Otago, New Zealand
The proprietor of Two Paddocks is New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who began with modest ambitions to satisfy the thirst of family and friends however, by his own admission, has now become “Outrageously ambitious – we want to produce year after year, the world’s best pinot noir”.
This exquisite wine was recently served to part of the royal family – Prince William, while he was visiting the country.
Sam Neill, in his Two Paddocks blog, said “moles in high places” revealed that pinot was served to the prince. “Good choice. We are well pleased,” he wrote.
It was a shame not one of the firm’s representatives were invited because “we scrub up quite well,” he said.
This fantastic wine is now available at Four Seasons in Hong Kong at the two-star Michelin restaurant Caprice where it is listed at HK$660, again very fair pricing considering this distinguished establishment; brings together the enjoyment of good wine with food.
Caprice’s head sommelier also had admiration for the wine, in his words, “We are very pleased to be offering a wine of such quality at a very affordable price”. He went on to say “This wine is comparable to many red burgundies at several times the price”, quite a statement coming from a Frenchman.
A general criticism levelled by some European palates is that New Zealand pinot noirs are too sweet or fruity and fleshy. Even if there is some basis to the debate in terms of their (European) palates being more attuned to more savoury, leaner wines, there is an unquestionable attractiveness to the style with brighter fruits, texturally soft and inviting viscosity, refreshing acidities and a subtle sweetness; a combination of qualities that particularly suited to practically every Asian cuisine – whether spicy or not – antipodean pinot noir is most definitely one of the most versatile and well-suited wines for this market and the Asian palate.
Be on the lookout for the impressive Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2007, available in Hong Kong through Wine’N'Things
