2006 Hatters Hill Pinot Noir

AUSTRALIAN GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE - Nick Stock
DELTA VINEYARD Marlborough NZ

Okay we’re a trans-Tasman publication so technically not an import – but this winery is too good not to mention.

“It all started in Italy” says Master of Wine David Gleave. It’s an unlikely place for a start-up New Zealand pinot noir project. Gleave operates an Italian-accented import and distribution business in Britain that also ships many of our iconic names (Cullen, Shaw and Smith, Grosset). New Zealander Matt Thomson had been the vintage winemaker associated with Gleave’s Italian connections in Verona, Friuli and Piedmont. It was Piedmont where they began talking and, over a second bottle of Barolo, Delta was born.

The site is in Marlborough’s higher country on clay soils and is planted exclusively to pinot noir. Several contemporary clones planted in 2001 and 2002 have been selected. The site has a lower flat stretch and a hillside section. A portion of the lower part of the vineyard has been sold, while the hillside section has been retained, prized for its ability to deliver more precise, powerful fruit.

The wines are driven by a philosophy that fuses the potential of the variety, the region, the site and the global fascination with New Zealand pinot. Between Gleave and Thomson, the requisite skills are covered.


The 2006 Hatters Hill A$30.00 sees more oak (50 per cent new) and is more fragrant again. It’s super fine and delicate with precise, fine-faceted aromatics. The palate follows the light elegant path, the fruit has eaten the oak, acidity sits brightly through the middle and savoury, musky tannins sweep through the finish. There’s terrific balance, and the tannins are more European than you’ll find in most New Zealand (and Australian) pinots. Park this next to some roast pheasant for the best results.

HATTERS HILL PINOT NOIR 2006 91 POINTS

The Wine Advocate
91 Points
The impressive Hatters Hill 2006 Pinot Noir is more sullen with brambly fruits, almost animally in style, subdued on the entry but gaining in intensity with aeration, developing an almost Northern Rhone-like pepperiness towards the sumptuous finish. This is certainly a name to watch for in the future.

Delta Vineyard Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2006

The Australian Financial Review
94 points
Curranty‐kumquat, subtle clove toast oak, background spiciness. Plus raspberries. Has flesh and juice and peel in the mouth, with a bit of tannin oomph. Smoky dry to finish. $32.00