Wine for the Weekend

Kim Crawford Small Parcels “Rise and Shine” Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2012
$30 Vintages 35337
Kim Crawford winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst hosted a series of private wine tastings in Toronto this week, and Erin was lucky enough to score an hour of his time. Tasting through six of the iconic winery’s portfolio (yes, the Sauvignon Blanc was front and centre), this dark and brooding Pinot was a particular standout.

We’re used to seeing Kim Crawford’s jubilant $20 Pinot Noir in this market – redolent with red cherries and sweet and sour fruit, it’s a popular, affordable, fruit forward Pinot. But this upper tier example, which is deep and rich and utterly inviting, takes it to another level. Made from a blend of five Pinot clones hailing from a warmer vineyard in the cool Central Otago, less than 1,000 cases were produced (Anthony himself ball-parked total production between 500 and 1,000 cases – winemakers, it seems, are notoriously cavalier with hard stats). A portion of the final blend underwent wild fermentation (Anthony really likes wild ferment and did the same for the small parcels Chardonnay), and it aged 12 months in barrel – 20% of it new.

It’s unclear how many bottles are making it to Ontario, but it’s probably not a lot, so pick up a few. This Pinot will certainly last 5 years in the cellar, but you’ll probably drink it well before then.

Tasting Notes:

Rich aromas of ripe black cherry and cassis, fresh earth, and savoury herbs like thyme and sage. The palate is medium bodied and plush but with fine, firm tannin. Flavours of black fruits, old leather, and crushed black peppercorn. Earthy and robust, this is a wine with some sex appeal. Try with steak au poivre, mushroom risotto or braised lamb.