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Thornbury Pinot Noir 2016 Wine Review

Thornbury Pinot Noir 2016

Thornbury Pinot Noir 2016

Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 10

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Price: $27.95

Drink: 2017-2024

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.5%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Thornbury

Agent: Airen Imports

Natalie's Score: 93/100

A luscious and layered New Zealand Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region, arguably the best for Pinot Noir in the country given its cool nights and warm days. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and spices. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. Pair with planked salmon.

Pinot Noir food pairings: poached salmon with sautéed snap peas and snow peas, Thai seafood noodle salad, butternut squash risotto,.

Scrumptious Seafood Wine

This Thornbury Pinot Noir 2016 was reviewed on December 17, 2019 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2014  2017  2010 

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Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

This elegant, mouthwatering Pinot Noir is made from hand-harvested grapes grown in the Bannockburn Valley in New Zealand's Central Otago region. The fragrant nose gives cherry, floral and dark chocolate notes, along with hints of wild thyme and spice. A silky palate shows black cherry, savoury black olive, dried herbs and wild thyme. Velvety texture and lingering finish make this a complete delight to savour. Enjoy with roast duck or turkey.
Tasted September 2017 with the winemaker, Simon Fells.
Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

The grapes for this wine from Central Otago were hand harvested and are very representative of the soil and climate of the Bannockburn Valley. This wine has a beautifully scented nose and rich flavors of cherry, spice, plum and herbs. The complex layers reveal silky tannins and a wonderfully elegant mouthfeel.
David Skinner rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Central Otago's dry slopes in the Bannockburn Valley may keep a lid on crop yields but that plays to perfection in this wine's character. Medium ruby and a pink rim. The nose carries on the Central Otago tradition of dark cherry and herbs touched by floral highlights. Plum and more cherry flavours are supported by soft tannins and solid acidity that give the wine a silky mouthfeel and extended release.
Melanie Lloyd - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Aromas of black cherry, raspberries, thyme and floral notes. On the palate, silky tannins, berries and a touch of spice. It has a beautiful texture and a nice acidity. Overall a very pleasant Pinot Noir.

Tasted Sept 2017.
Cherie Cole rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Central Otago is the most southern and continental grape growing region of New Zealand, known for it's award-winning Pinot Noir wines. The schist soils of this region lend to the silky structure of this 2016 Pinot Noir. The long growing season at 120 days allows for longer hang time and further ripening of the fruit. Expect delicious, ripe, red cherry, with thyme and savoury characteristics. Medium-bodied and velvety tannins are found on the palate. Tasted September 2017.
Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Pinot Noir thrives in Central Otago, although it takes longer to mature there, according to winemaker Simon Fell. He allowed malolactic fermentation to occur naturally in the spring as temperatures warmed up. Cherry, earth, spice and an enticing herbal note are key in this well-balanced creation. Tannins are silky and there is a hint of caramel on the back end. Would be delicious with roasted root vegetable farro risotto.
Simon Chen rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The grape is sourced from the Bannockburn Valley in Central Otago and according to the winemaker, this is the only region in New Zealand that is not affected by the Maritime weather. The Pinot here tastes completely different than what you would get from Marlborough. It has more fresh red berries, floral aromas and with nice fruits, smooth acid, and soft tannins on the palate. A very balanced Pinot Noir that can be perfectly paired with your Thanksgiving Turkey.
Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Quite a fun and fruity Central Otago, New Zealnd Pinot. Pale ruby colour with pink hue. Lots of red fruit found here: red berries, strawberry, ripe bursting raspberry and cranberry.
Flavours consist of Strawberry, pomegranate, tart red cherry and bitter chocolate. Also some herbal notes of bay leaf. Light body, medium plus acidity and a medium minus tannin level and finish with some red fruit strawberry notes persisting . Nicely balanced. Pair with grilled tomato, beet soup and balsamic reduction glazed pork tenderloin.
Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 86/100 with the following review:

A nice rosy medium ruby colour. Aromas of wet granite, red fruit, and thyme. Tastes of black cherries and has lovely savoury notes of black olives, herbs, and pepper. Tannins are soft, round, almost chewy. The black cherry finish is savoury. An elegant wine. Score 86. (S.Segard, reviewed Sept. 25, 2017)

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