A key Formal Tasting session at Pinot Noir 2010 has found that our Pinot Noir does age with dignity.

In what was a challenging session delegates were asked to taste ten 2003 New Zealand Pinot Noirs and then a top table of wine commentators, including our own Bob Campbell MW, debated their merits.

"And as one might expect with seven year old wines some could be left to age longer," said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman Alastair Maling.

What's really exciting, says Alastair, is that our winemaking has come a long way since 2003 and combined with more mature vines our Pinot Noir winemakers can take a more hands off approach.

"It needs to be remembered however that our vines are still young by European standards. As an industry we know that we still need more vine age but it was heartening to see how well the wines showed from 'younger' vines."

Alastair said that the tasting threw up some interesting comparisons and it was evident that those aged Pinot Noirs from older New Zealand vines did show a sense of place, elegance and finesse that would be highly regarded at any international tasting.