Quartz Reef

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Quartz Reef 2002 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

From a top vintage in the region, this is the sort of wine that has won such acclaim for Central Otago. Deep, dark color, bold aromatics and a full, lush feel on the palate imbue this wine with the complete package. Black cherries predominate, but there's also a spicy, wild, briary note on the finish. Drink now-2010. — J.C. (11/1/2006)

points

Quartz Reef 2002 Bendigo Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

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Tasted from magnum, this is a simultaneously floral and rich wine, filled with cherry blossoms and cherries. Creamy and supple in the mouth, it folds in vanilla and spice on the finish, ending on a briary note. — J.C. (11/1/2006)

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Quartz Reef 2001 Chauvet Sparkling (Central Otago)

Price $28

This sparkling blend of 65% Chard and 35% Pinot spends a minimum of 42 months on the lees prior to disgorgement, giving it a toasty, autolytic bouquet that marries well with the crisp, clean, lemony flavors. Verging on austere, but in a mouthwatering way. Try as an apéritif. Imported by Sauvage Selections. — J.C. (5/1/2006)

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Quartz Reef 2004 Bendigo Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

From the Bendigo subregion, which has seen enormous expansion over the past several years, this is minor step up from Quartz Reef’s regular bottling, with similar floral qualities on the nose and bright cherry fruit, but also more substantial tannins. Cellar for 2–3 years. — J.C. (11/1/2006)

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Quartz Reef 2010 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

Price $37

Made from fruit that is drawn from the Bendigo subregion, this is a full-bodied, supple Pinot Noir that boasts a notably silky finish. It’s smoky, violet-filled and savory, but those nuances are balanced out by the core of cherry fruit. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (4/1/2013)

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Quartz Reef 2004 Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

Winemaker Rudi Bauer has turned in another fine Pinot, marrying floral complexity to ripe cherries in a medium-bodied wine. Subtle spice and vanilla notes add nuance, while fine tannins on the finish suggest this wine may be consumed young or held 5–8 years. — J.C. (11/1/2006)

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Quartz Reef 2003 Bendigo Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (Central Otago)

Like the regular 2003 bottling, there’s a slightly herbal or hay-like note on the nose of this wine, but also floral hints and bright cherry aromas. Lacks the depth and drama of the superb 2002, but still a nice wine. Finishes with some dry ng tannins, so hold a couple of years before opening. Imported by Sauvage Selections. — J.C. (12/1/2005)

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Quartz Reef 2002 Pinot Gris (Central Otago)

Price $20

A delicate rendition of Pinot Gris, with charming apple, spice and pear aromas and flavors in a relatively lightweight wine. So pretty on the nose, you’ll want to smell the glass even after it’s empty. — J.C. (9/1/2003)

Most Reviewed Designations

Bendigo Estate Vineyard Chauvet

Most Reviewed Varietals

Pinot Gris Pinot Noir Sparkling Blend

2010 Mira Stanly Ranch

Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez left Robert Mondavi to do his own thing, and…

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