Highlights: three from Folding Hill in Central Otago, NZ
Website: http://www.foldinghill.co.nz/
I’ve been following Folding Hill, which is based in the Bendigo region of Central Otago, since I first visited in 2014. These are three new UK releases, and I was impressed, especially with the way that the Orchard Block had developed over 6 years.
Folding Hill Chardonnay 2020 Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand
14% alcohol. Debut vintage for the Chardonnay. This is aromatic and pure with peach, pear and some ripe stone fruits, and even a hint of melon. The palate is textural with sweet pear and apple fruit, nice purity, and an innate richness, with some notes of apricot and mandarin. A rich expression of Central Otago Chardonnay. 92/100
Folding Hill Pinot Noir 2020 Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand
14% alcohol. This is ripe and sleek with blackberry and black cherry fruit. There’s rich texture and depth here, as well as hints of olive, fennel and dried meat. Nice bold fruit with a sour cherry finish: supple, expressive and delicious. 93/100
Folding Hill Orchard Block Pinot Noir 2016 Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand
14% alcohol. From the most sheltered part of the vineyard, this spends 20 months in barrel. Lovely savoury spiciness on the nose with sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit. This has richness and texture with a core of rich, sleek black fruits and hints of dried herbs and olive. Bold, this is developing a mellow richness with age. 95/100
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