One could be forgiven for thinking that Marlborough, located at the very top of New Zealand’s South Island, only makes world class Sauvignon Blanc, but that would do a disservice to the other wines that are made in this region.
For 20 years now, we have been importing Churton’s Marlborough Pinot Noir and, as the best-priced NZ Pinot on our list, it offers everything you would want from this variety – ripe cherry fruit framed by a touch of spice and smoke.
Practising both organic and biodynamic viticulture, Sam Weaver - now joined by his sons Jack and Ben - has crafted a wine that really overdelivers for its price point. Having twice tasted the 2020 in the office, we think that it might be their finest effort to date.
Fruit-driven, spicy and perfectly pure, it is fresh, forward and lifted with a delightful saline note on the finish. It will drink perfectly this summer, though bottles back to 2010, recently liberated from the Farr cellars, have proved that it has the balance to age impeccably well too.
We have recently taken delivery of our consignment of the new vintage, just in time – we hope – for the warmer weather. This really will be the perfect accompaniment to your summer table and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
A perennial Farr favourite and great value for money, the 2020 Churton Pinot Noir is another hit. Mid, translucent ruby in the glass, it is bursting with red fruit, szechuan pepper and fried herbs on the nose. The palate follows, with a real spiciness to lift layers of strawberry, red cherry and red plum. The tannins are silky and soft, making this truly ready to drink now. Hints of rosemary and bay leaf add a savoury element to the finish, but this is all about pristine red fruit. Enjoy it now and over the next 5+ years.
