Pinot Popular in US

New Zealand pinot noirs from all over the country featured at the recent World of Pinot Noir seminar in California, with winemaker Clive Jones of Nautilus Estate representing the Marlborough region. New Zealand has ridden pinot noir’s wave of popularity. Ten years ago, pinot noir was the country’s fifth most widely planted grape variety; today, it’s No. 2, behind only sauvignon blanc. The largest plantings are in the Marlborough region (better known for sauvignon blanc) and Central Otago, both on the South Island, although early plantings of high-quality pinot occurred on the North Island in the mid-1980s, around Martinborough. Many New Zealand pinots command premiums; there are some more affordable options. The 2007 Goldschmidt Vineyards “Boulder Bank” Pinot Noir (Marlborough, $US18) is referred as being racy and fresh, with raspberry and wild thyme notes.