The
wines of Delta Vineyards
Pinot Noir specialist from New Zealand's Marlborough region
Delta
Vineyards is a collaboration between winemaker Matt Thomson (who
consults with several wineries in New Zealand, including Saint Clair
and Mud House), and David Gleave (the man behind the dynamic UK
importer/distributor Liberty Wines). David and Matt have worked
closely on a number of projects in Italy, where Matt returns each
year to make wine. Two other partners are also involved.
The
vineyard was planted in 2001 and 2002, and the predominantly clay
soils, which are low vigour, are planted with Dijon clones. In the
winery open-top fermenters with hand plunging are employed, and only
a little new oak is used. While the focus is clearly on Pinot Noir,
a Sauvignon Blanc is also made.
There’s a really useful website
that tells more of the story. I tried these wines on two separate
occasions and came away impressed. The wines show good purity and
focus, and they offer value for money.
Delta
Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough
Lemony, grassy, minerally edge to the nose, which is focused and
fresh. The palate is brilliantly focused with good acidity. It’s a
delicious Sauvignon with nice complexity and a mineral kick. 91/100
(£9.95)
Delta
Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005 Marlborough
Stylish dark cherry fruit on the nose, which is sweet and pure.
The palate is dominated by vivid fruit and an attractive spiciness.
Sophisticated stuff. 91/100 (£9.95)
Delta
Vineyard Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2004 Marlborough
Smooth, meaty and ripe on the nose. The palate is fresh and
spicy with lovely forward, elegant fruit, coupled with good acid and
tannic structure. Bold and quite refined. 92/100 (£13.99)
(Tasted
02/07)
Delta
Vineyard Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2004 Marlborough
Smooth, sweet, bright nose with warm cherryish fruit. Quite
focused on the palate with nice cherry and berry fruit. Rounded and
smooth. Quite vibrant and beginning to evolve nicely. 89/100
Delta Vineyard Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2005 Marlborough
Nice smooth berry fruit here. Quite vibrant with good acidity.
Pure and focused with nice freshness. 90/100
Delta
Vineyard Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2006 Marlborough
Vibrant cherry fruit dominates, with a nice dark spiciness. The
juicy palate has a bit of earthy depth to it. This is really
impressive. 91/100
(Tasted
11/07)
See
also:
Brettanomyces
masterclass with Matt Thomson
Wines
tasted as indicated
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