Neudorf Tom’s Block Moutere Pinot Noir 2023

The pristine and spectacularly beautiful Nelson region in the south island of NZ and in particular the Clay Gravel Moutere Hills area receive lots of sun (more than 2300 hours a year) making it one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions a real bonus for such a cool climate region. Clear skies allow for rapid cooling at night, nurturing the slow development of flavours and a gradual reduction in fruit acids. This combination of climate and soil type produces white wines of concentration and texture, and rich savoury Pinot Noir with a fingerprint of textured minerally fruit acid.

Established in 1978 by Tim and Judy Finn, Neudorf use sustainable practices and the winery is accredited under the Sustainable Winery NZ scheme, which Tim was instrumental in establishing back in the early 80’s.   Winemaker Todd Stevens aim is always to allow the site to speak.  Great wines have a basis of fruit concentration, length and sense of place – characters which can be formed only in the vineyard.

About this wine from the winemaker: “The joy of Pinot Noir is its consistent evolution. Working with newer clones has changed the shape of material at hand for winemaker Todd Stevens. As these additions to the Pinot vineyards settle down, we see a more fragrant, more supple wine in our glass. This wine is what Neudorf Pinot is all about.  Cocoa powder tannins are interwoven with notes of summer berries, warm spices and seductive leather. Tom’s natural “Moutereness” offers a sophisticated restraint, keeping this lush and moreish wine beautifully balanced. Thoughtful use of oak frames this Pinot brilliantly without commanding the experience, leading into a long, velvet finish.”

100% wild yeast, 100% open top fermentation. 10 months in oak – 100% French Oak – 20% new, then racked and blended. A dry start to the season followed by a wetter than normal November. A welcome change to early Summer and Autumn where we experienced drier and warmer months (December – April). Minor rain events ensured canopies stayed ‘refreshed’ before a trouble-free harvest period. A generous season producing wines of volume and precision. Will cellar with grace and poise.

95 points, Emma Jenkins MW, Decanter “A spicy, silky, mouthfilling wine at the richer end of the spectrum, admirably showcasing Nelson’s perfumed, ripe fruit. Black and red berries with a floral lift, supple with a juicy core; fine, slightly sappy tannins, good freshness and a long finish. Good balance and texture. An open and expressive wine but it doesn’t yield everything upfront – a nice savoury element shimmers beneath the fruit, too. Organic.”

93 points, Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion “Grown on the Moutere clay gravels. The wine blossoms with dark cherries, black plums and balsamic glaze. A smattering of dark spices, clove, cassia and five-spice. The wine bristles with firm tannins and threads of taut acidity. It is sumptuous in its plumpness and yet maintains a sturdy framework filled with woody spice. This is mixing business with pleasure, a savvy investment for the cellar but equally joyful drinking now. This sets up the Neudorf pinot scene with great expectations. Thrilling.

93 points, Stephen Wong, The Real Review “Mid-ruby. A layered, vertical nose with smoky oak enclosing a core of red fruit. A whiff of something herbal, Plush and concentrated on the palate with a burst of acidity and woody tannins which wrap around the tongue. The melting coulis of fruit in the core is hidden under oak at hte moment, but will be accessible in a year or two. Not a wine which needs a long slumber in the cellar as it it quite generous.”