Bargain Bin

The Age

Tuesday April 8, 2008

Jeni Port

Marlborough is a hot spot for New Zealand sauvignon blanc but it's also home to a soft and pleasing pinot noir.

The Marlborough style sits between the boldness of Martinborough pinot and the edginess of Central Otago and is at its best, fruitiest and freshest, upon release.

This week, Templestowe Cellars has a fine example of Marlborough pinot in Twin Islands 2006 pinot noir. Normally, it is $25 a bottle but Jeff and Michael have dropped the price to $21 and they'll throw in a bottle for free if you buy a case.

Twin Islands has its own pinot noir winery so it's serious about the grape. The wine offers real drinking pleasure with high-toned perfume of raspberries and plums. The palate is smooth and generously fruity with light tannins and a whisper of French oak, offering a subtle underlying savouriness.

-- JENI PORT

Twin Islands 2006 Marlborough pinot noir, $21 (buy a case, get a bottle free). Templestowe Cellars, 132 James Street, Templestowe, 9846 1985.

© 2008 The Age

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