"Southern Belles"
NZ Listener, Michael Cooper
"Pinot Noir, Riesling or something else? You could make a fortunate betting with Christchurch wine lovers about which grape variety is most widely grown at Waipara, in North Canterbury. It's Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is No. 1 in Nelson, too. Together, the South Island's two smallest wine regions have 7% of the national vineyard area but 15% of the country's wineries. A versatile region, Nelson succeeds with several varieties; Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Further South, Riesling and Pinot Noir are clustered at Waipara."
Among a selection of whites, roses and reds, Mt. Beautiful's 2017 Pinot Noir is one of six reds featured in this article receiving the highest rating awarded - 4.5 stars! Here's what Michael Cooper had to say about our '17 vintage:
"This classy red from Cheviot is fragrant and mouthfilling (13% alc/vol) with concentrated, ripe, plummy, gently spicy flavours and a hint of herbs. Savory and complex, it has good ageing potential."