The wines of Palliser Estate, Martinborough, New Zealand

Founded in 1989, Palliser Estate is reasonably old by New Zealand standards, and is one of the pioneers of the now-trendy Martinborough region, known to be especially good for Pinot Noir. The substantial estate has 84 ha of vines, and makes a full complement of varietal wines. Of those tasted here, my favourite is the Pinot Noir. As an aside, it was the 1996 Palliser Pinot Noir that first really turned me on to this beguiling variety some four or five years ago, when I was just getting into wine in a serious way. I drunk my last bottle of this wine a year ago (tasting note here): it was still very much alive, although I wouldn’t hold it much longer.

UK agent: Justerini & Brooks (0207 7484 6000; helen.bull@justerinis.com)

Riesling 2001, Martinborough, New Zealand
The fresh, crisp limey nose is quite intense, and leads to a palate displaying bright lime and spice characters. Great concentration of flavour; a rich style. Very good+

Sauvignon Blanc 2001, Martinborough, New Zealand
Very intense nose with a herbal edge to the grassy fruit. Richly flavoured palate shows more of the herbal character. A full on, slightly herbaceous style. Very good

Chardonnay 2000, Martinborough, New Zealand
Quite a restrained nose with some nutty, bready elements complementing the herbal fruit. Lovely rich, concentrated palate with nicely savoury fruit. Very good+

Pinot Noir 2000, Martinborough, New Zealand
Deep red/purple colour. Lovely enticing nose with spicy, medicinal complexity to the ripe berry fruit and a bit of chocolatey richness, too. Good concentration of herby berry fruit on the palate: quite a ripe style of Pinot but still varietally true. Very good/excellent

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