Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2007

Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
$25-29  available at BC Liquor Stores & select private liquor stores +687616
www.rabbitranch.co.nz

February 3 is the beginning of Chinese New Year, and 2011 rings in the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit (or Hare) is a symbol of tact and diplomacy, the long-eared creature being both placid and astute. The Rabbit is associated with good luck, longevity and the accumulation of wealth.

And rabbits play an integral part in this New Zealand Pinot Noir (not just on the label). This site in Central Otago was once a sheep station, but the rampant local rabbit population overcrowded the sheep, ate up all the high altitude vegetation, and drove the sheep off the land. Though there were various attempts to rid the rabbits, the smart furballs persevered, and remain there today, hopping free amidst the vines (rumoured to be ‘Powered by Pinot’). Rabbit Ranch is a collaborative venture, formed by a group of vineyards that were all individually once part of the sheep station, and now banded together to form Rabbit Ranch.

Cooler climate Central Otago has proven itself a stellar site for Pinot Noir. This is a bright and balanced, easy to enjoy example. Savoury spice and fragrant dark cherry perfume, with fresh cherry, salty minerality and holiday herbal/spice flavours. Higher acid, soft tannins and sweet smoky vanilla on the finish makes this a pleasure to drink (though I’d say it’s a smidge overpriced at mid-20s). I’d partner with thyme roasted poultry, or (fittingly? aptly? shockingly?), rabbit casserole with mushrooms, shallots, white beans, sage and thyme.

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Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2007

Cooler climate Central Otago has proven itself a stellar site for Pinot Noir. This is a bright and balanced, easy to enjoy example. Savoury spice and fragrant dark cherry perfume, with fresh cherry, salty minerality and holiday herbal/spice flavours. Higher acid, soft tannins and sweet smoky vanilla on the finish makes this a pleasure to drink. I’d partner with thyme roasted poultry, or rabbit casserole.