Sato Pinot Noir

 In the past, I have been impressed by the Japanese Kusuda from Martinborough. Now I came across a second Japanese winemaker in New Zealand, Sato in Central Otago. One thing that is almost a given with anything Japanese, is attention to detail and a quality orientation.

It is therefore not a surprise that Sato sources only organically grown grapes for the 2018 Sato Pinot Noir. He uses only natural ferments, no additives during fermentation and minimal sulphur prior to bottling. Given the production is only 1700 cases or so, one can also assume that grape sorting is very detailed. He purchased his own farm in 2016, but this wine still only uses purchased grapes.

There is great purity in this quite aromatic and floral wine. Red cherry flavours dominate the elegant texture. Tannins are restrained before a medium plus finish. This is a very good, not great wine. It is likely that more aged grapes over time will further benefit this product.

Score: 94/++