Pisa Range Estate ‘Black Poplar’ Block Pinot Noir elevated to New Zealand ‘Classic’ status

Pisa Range Estate has joined the ranks of New Zealand’s finest pinot noir wines being rated as a ‘Classic’ New Zealand pinot noir by Michael Cooper in his latest 2012 Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wine.

“This rating means a lot to us, said Warwick Hawker, Owner.

 “As one of New Zealand’s most highly respected wine commentators Michael Cooper has an extremely experienced palate. For over 20 years he’s been assessing New Zealand wines.”

“We have strived to produce the very best wine that we can,but it does take time. For a small Estate vineyard like ourselves, this rating is quite an achievement in just ten vintages. With the ’06, 07,’08, 09,and 2010 vintages all being awarded 5 Star ratings by Michael Cooper we feel we are beginning to understand our terroir. Minimal intervention has been our guiding principal allowing the wine to express its ‘sense of place. Tim Atkin MW when discussing our wines during his visit for the 2012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration remarked that “it appears the vines may have started to grow into their skins” and I think he could be right. With the vines now coming into their 17th year its very exciting to think what the next ten vintages could produce.“ Warwick Hawker said.

Pisa Range Estate is a pioneer vineyard of the Pisa sub-region of Central Otago established in 1995 by Warwick and Jenny  Hawker. The “Black Poplar Block” Pinot Noir is an Estate wine - named after the two 100 year old Black Poplar trees that dominate this area of the vineyard – receiving many international awards since its first release. The wines are listed at fine dining restaurants and lodges around the world.

Pisa Range Estate joins two other Central Otago wineries inMichael Cooper’s ‘Classic’ category – Felton Road Block 3 and Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir.