Surveyor Thomson, Central Otago

Surveyor Thomson
Central Otago, New Zealand

Website: www.surveyorthomson.co.nz

Surveyor Thomson is a 14 hectare, organically farmed vineyard in Lowburn planted in 2000, using Pommard/Dijon clones.

The ‘Surveyor Thomson’ name comes from New Zealand's first Surveyor General, John Turnbull Thomson. He’s the great grandfather of David Hall-Jones, who owns the vineyard. He and his partner PM Chan live in Hong Kong, where he’s a partner in a law firm (this presumably has generated much of the cash that a vineyard needs to run on). David and PM also have a home in Gevrey Chambertin, where they spend their summers. Nice.

Since the first vintage in 2003, the wines have been made by Dean Shaw at the Central Otago Wine Company. Claudio Heye (general manager, above) and Kate Barnett (operations manager) are responsible for running things. Viticulture is organic, and currently Surveyor Thomson are in the process of becoming certified biodynamic.

THE WINES

Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago, New Zealand
2010 Fresh, bright and lively wth pure fruit, some spice and herb, and nice weight. Pure and bright with some plumminess. 93/100 (02/14)

Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago, New Zealand
Very fresh, lively and supple with spicy, bright cherries and plums. Nice tangy finish. 93/100 (02/14)

Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago, New Zealand
30% whole bunch. Sweet black cherry and plum fruit nose. There’s some elegance here as well as ripeness. The palate is midweight with a mineral/spicy undertone to the sweet fruit. Subtle dried herb and tar notes add interest, as well as a hint of meat. 94/100 (02/13)

Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir 2007 Central Otago, New Zealand
Lovely sweet perfume of cherries and plums. Ripe with some fresh herby notes. There is some warm spiciness/dried herb character. The palate has nice acidity under the fresh, quite elegant red cherry and berry fruits. Subtle earthy, savoury notes, too. For current drinking. 93/100 (02/13)