Kiwi Pinot Value

[Innkeeper]

2000 Sherwood Estate, Canterbury-Marlborough, Pinot Noir ($13 Southern Wines). Was looking for a Kiwi Pinot that I could afford, and found this in the Southern Catalog. It far exceeded my expectations. The color was very dark for a pinot, like a Cru Beaujolais. Lively red cherries and strawberries with mild spice on the nose. Concentrated fruit (though not as concentrated as other Kiwi Pinot is reported to be) upfront, an exciting complexity across the palate with smooth tannin and a bare hint of oak, lead up to a satisfying finish. Married up wonderfully with sauteed chicken breast in paprika cream sauce.

The Sherwood is a lovely introduction to New Zealand Pinot and a great pinot value on the world market.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 03-28-2002).]