Jackson Estate

Two ambitious wines from New Zealand's Jackson Estate

Grey Ghost Sauvignon Blanc (£18, Majestic, Ocado, Tesco) oaked Sauvignon is something unusual - especially from the New World, which specializes in crisp, modern aromatic styles produced in temperature controlled stainless steel.

 

This oaked Sauvignon is a mixture of modernity and tradition; pale straw yellow, with varietal Sauvignon aromatics plus some oatmealy-cashew, lime zest and toasty oak.

 

Sweet ripe pineapple, guava and citrus fruit with zesty freshness leads to a savoury, buttery, brazil-nut mid-palate with a long finish.

 

Complex and impressively constructed. Good.

 

Match with monkfish in a herb broth.

Vintage Widow Pinot Noir 2012 (£19.99, Majestic, Ocado, Tesco) Surprisingly dark for a Pinot, mostly toasty oak on the nose, rather smothering the Burgundian vegetal / farmyard underneath. Ripe black cherry fruit, sweet, oaky spice, tobacco leaf, mocha and freshness - good precision, texture and length.

A class act for certain, but a more androgynous style of Pinot than a willowy, waywardly naturally-beautiful Burgundian - a made-up, stomping, Bowie-esque Jean Genie.

Technically Very Good, but somehow lacks the ethereal elusiveness of a really compelling Pinot.

Match with duck or other dark game.

Provided for review.

Other related articles
Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough
Hallowed Ground Tasting

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