SEIFRIED 2019 OLD COACH ROAD PINOT NOIR

Shortly after meeting his wife-to-be Agnes, Hermann Seifried decided New Zealand was where he wanted to stay. They married at the end of December in 1971 and with little more than a dream, the young couple purchased land in the Moutere Valley between Nelson and Motueka. There they began the long process of hand grafting phylloxera resistant rootstock onto vinifera scion wood to propagate plants for their first vineyard.

In 1973 on the gently northward sloping clay loam soils these first vines were planted. With 14 vinifera varieties, on two hectares of land, the South Island's modern commercial wine industry began. Hermann and Agnes were true pioneers, experimenting with classical European varieties that they thought would do well in this untested climate and terroir. Well, we think they did amazingly well and continue to do so. It's been over 40 years since the family's first grape harvest, and with all three Seifried children now fully involved in the business, over 320 hectares of sustainably accredited Estate owned vineyards, and exports to over 25 countries around the globe, there is indeed reason to celebrate. And we think having a glass of this Old Coach Road will put us all in the celebratory mood!

While New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc gets a lot of attention from the world wine press, and rightfully so, they also do one heck of a job with Pinot Noir (and many other grapes!), as is evident with Old Coach Road. The nose is a combination of scents: purple flowers, mixed red berries, beef tartare and hillside brush. Upon tasting, bright fruits are in the spotlight, particularly cherries, as spice notes, minerality and a touch of plum are uplifted by beautiful streaks of acidity keeping the wine clean and fresh on the tongue. The finish sees cherry fruits still in the lead as flecks of herbals and light minerals add depth and flavor. Pair with lamb, beef, duck, pork, game...

The wine industry in Nelson is tiny by international standards, however Nelson's success is often envied. Winemaker's efforts with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have shown that the region is capable of producing some of the finest wines in the world, gaining international recognition.

BURGHOUND 91 POINTS 'OUTSTANDING!' - "Here the nose is at once more elegant and high-toned with its equally pretty aromas of essence of red cherry, dark currant and lovely floral wisps, especially violet. The delicious and nicely concentrated medium-bodied flavors possess a notably finer texture on the dusty, complex and sneaky long finish. In contrast to the straight pinot that could be enjoyed now, this is more serious and more structured as well."