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Carrick

The Carrick vineyards, located in the increasingly important Central Otago region of New Zealand's South island, were started in 1994. It was this year that saw the Cairnmuir Road Winery Ltd, the firm behind the Carrick label, planting the Cairnmuir Terraces in Bannockburn, Central Otago, with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The plantings were expanded in 1998 and, unsurprisingly in view of the increasing impact of Central Otago Pinot Noir, the vine of choice was Pinot, using a range of Dijon clones.

Carrick, Central Otago Carrick also source fruit from the Arthur vineyard, planted in 1996 by Bill and Sue Arthur, which features Pinot Noir and Riesling. Bill Arthur manages the Carrick vineyards, together with Barbara Robertson Green. In addition the Carrick winemaker, Steve Davies, has a small vineyard of his own which will bear useful fruit in 2005.

A most notable aspect of the Carrick wines is their decision to bottle their entire output under screwcap. This follows several years of experimentation, with good results. My own experience of the Carrick wines is that screwcaps seem to do them nothing but good. The range of wines include a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Also, some Chardonnay sees more time in oak and this is released as the EBM (extended barrel maturation) Chardonnay. It is the Pinot Noir, however, which is undoubtedly the gem in the Carrick range. It typically sees a few days of cold soak before whole bunch fermentation followed by a few more days of maceration. It undergoes malolactic fermentation before spending between nine and twelve months in French oak, of which 30% is new.

The Carrick wines are available in the UK through Hellion Wines, run by Jim Ledwith. Jim specialises in Central Otago PInot Noir and can be contacted on 07765 472263. (11/8/04)

Contact details:
Address: Bannockburn, Rd 2, Cromwell
Telephone: +64 (0) 3 445 3480
Fax: +64 (0) 3 445 3481
Internet: www.carrick.co.nz

Carrick - Tasting Notes

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2005

Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2005: This cuvée accommodates the fruit of younger vines and lesser plots. It has a rather smoky, gamey nose and a feral, cherry fruit character. Firm substance on the palate, straightforward cherry fruit character, perhaps a touch coarse and bitter. Quite grippy, and quite a bit of extraction too. Slightly hot finish. Pleasant enough though. From a New Zealand Wine tasting. 14/20 (November 2007)

2003

Carrick Sauvignon Blanc (Central Otago) 2003: Under screw-cap. Very pale for New World fruit. Beautiful nose though, redolent of ripening capsicum with herbaceous, greengage fruit. Fresh, lively palate, with good body. Correct but not over-obvious acidity. A little note of cream alongside the vibrant green fruit. Firm finish with a mildly spicy flourish. This is a fine example of what New World Sauvignon is capable of. 17/20 (August 2004)

Carrick Pinot Gris (Central Otago) 2003: Under screw-cap. A pale wine, but with sweet tropical fruit salad on the nose, a medley of pear, guava and ripe apples. Quite full on the palate, with flavours of sweet pear, other white fruits although with a tropical edge and a hint of white pepper. Solid grip and fresh acidity. Good. 15.5/20 (August 2004)

Carrick Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2003: This is showing maturity, with an orange-tinged rim on inspection and a hot, smoky, spicy, bacon and game character on the nose. Firmly composed, showing lots of structure and tannin, and not really an elegant style. Nicely extracted though. It seems a little top heavy. I suspect it may be better with food though. From a New Zealand Wine tasting. 16/20 (November 2007)

2002

Carrick Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2002: Under screw-cap. Beautiful depth of colour with little loss of hue at the rim. Black cherry and crumbly Dundee cake, with the barest hint of dark chocolate, on the nose. A roasted character, and a little oak still evident. A well poised palate, with very savoury and plummy black fruits wrapped in dry, firm tannins. Medium bodied. Delicious texture, and quite svelte in the way Pinot should be. Absolutely delightful. I suspect it will improve with five to ten years in the cellar, but it is very enjoyable now. 17+/20 (August 2004)