Burn Cottage releases 2017 three-vineyard Central Otago Pinot
It wasn’t the smoothest vintage for Central Otago’s star biodynamic estate but it turned out a treat. 2016’s cool, windy spring led to patchy flowering, and the first couple of months of 2017 were mild, with a fair bit of rain, more wind and some chilly nights. with rain at times and nights often dipping below 10˚C. By late February, however, the temperatures lifted and véraison had gone well. Ripening then progressed nicely, but by the time the team got picking in late March, they had a lovely if light-on crop.
The season yielded a 96-point Riesling/Grüner and a 97-point single-vineyard Pinot Noir (which again earnt Burn Cottage its place in the Fine Wines of New Zealand classification).
Now we have the release of the estate’s Moonlight Race Pinot Noir – the three-vineyard expression of Central Otago as seen by the brilliant Claire Mulholland and Ted Lemon.
2017 Burn Cottage Riesling/Grüner Veltliner $69
An interesting blend of compatible varieties with citrus, mandarin, lime zest, peach and a suggestion of passionfruit. Weighty, textural wine that develops wonderful sweet-and-sour tension. Initial sweetness leads to a moderately dry finish. An intriguing and very appealing wine which breaks the rules and succeeds magnificently.
96 points. Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review August 2019
2017 Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir $69
The fruit was handpicked with an average Brix of 22.5 between 25th March and 26th April. The fruit went in with 14% whole clusters included, and spent an average of 20 days in the fermenter. Matured in oak (23% new) from the Damy and Sylvain cooperages. Composition: 24% Burn Cottage Vineyard (Block 2: clones 667, 10/5, 115, Abel); 20% Northburn Vineyard (Golf and Dam Blocks: clones 5 and 6); 56% Mark II Vineyard (Blocks P, N, O: clones 777, 667, 115, 113, 10/5). – Claire Mulholland, Burn Cottage
A lot of vibrant red and dark cherries here with supple, silky tannins, delivering a fresh and sleek feel to the palate. Approachable and also capable of improving further in bottle. Drink or hold.
93 points. Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com October 2019
2017 Burn Cottage Pinot Noir $92
I never swallow samples during tasting but got pretty close with this wine. It’s just so damn delicious with layer upon layer of fruit and savoury characters that defy description. A tease of fruit sweetness is balanced by gentle tannins and subtle acidity that drive a very lengthy finish. A seriously good Pinot Noir.
97 points. Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review September 2019