94/100 Cameron Douglas MS 94/100 James Suckling 94/100 The Wine Front 93/100 Wine Spectator 92/100 Adrian van Velsen - vvWinech 90/100 Wine Review Online 95/100 Bob Campbell MW (2019 vintage) 95/100 Angus Hughson (2019 vintage) 94/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage) 93/100 Tom Cannavan (2019 vintage) 91/100 Vinous (2019 vintage) 90/100 CellarTracker (2019 vintage) 17/20 - Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage) 96/100 - Bob Campbell (2017 vintage) 95/100 - James Suckling (2017 vintage) 94/100 - The Wine Front (2017 vintage) 91/100 - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017 vintage) 17.5/20 - Vinum (2017 vintage)
Organic
Cameron Douglas MS "Really impactful and interesting bouquet with aromas of soil and flowers then red berry fruits, a mix of new barrel and older, a sense of place and time. A wine for the cellar with a tautness and youthful power, polished tannins and acidity are contrasted by core cherry and wild red berry fruit flavours, wild strawberry and plum. Oak weaves its way through the palate with power and impact."
James Suckling "This has a complex nose of wild strawberries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts, thyme, nutmeg and bark. Sleek tannins with a creamy texture. Medium body. Silky, long and sophisticated with wonderful depth. From organically grown grapes."
Wine Spectator "Plush and expressive, offering blackberry, black cherry and blueberry notes at the core, backed by hints of bittersweet chocolate, dried herb and tobacco. The velvety tannins linger effortlessly."
Adrian van Velsen - vvWinech "Medium ruby red. The nose is fresh and open, revealing roasted notes, red-fruited aromas, and spices. On the palate, it is approachable and already drinking beautifully — nothing dominates. Exceptionally clean, with clear fruit expression and fine-grained, ripe tannins. Long on the finish. A modern wine that is sure to appeal to many."
Wine Review Online "I know Dog Point for their fabulous array of Sauvignon Blancs, but was unfamiliar with their Pinot Noir, so jumped at the chance to try it at a local restaurant. A style that is fruit focused and clean with a fine texture make it a perfect choice for current consumption. Its smoothness and mixture of red and black fruit notes made it a delight to drink, making up for the lack of savory nuances found in the best Pinot Noirs."
Bob Campbell MW "Supple, vibrant, organic pinot noir with cherry, violet, blackcurrant leaf, spice, anise, and subtle nutty oak flavours. High-energy wine with impressive purity. An elegant and youthful pinot noir with obvious cellaring potential." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "Attractive, earthy and spicy aromas are wound seamlessly into bright, red and darker cherries. This is complex and fragrant with dialed-in oak. The palate has impressively intense red-cherry flavors with succulent acidity and smooth, fluid tannins. Composed finish." (2019 vintage)
Vinous "An understated Pinot Noir that is self-assured on the midpalate. It has a lovely sense of sinew, providing a chalky tension through the midweight core, which is emphasized further by the streak of cool-climate acidity. This isn't fruit-forward; it's a more savory expression, with high violet notes providing the top line of the score and subtle herb and cedar notes (30% new French oak) bringing up the base. Already starting to drink well, this has the structure to evolve from now to the mid-term." (2019 vintage)
Angus Hughson "Of the new releases from Dog Point this wine was the pick. But if you plan on drinking it young give it some air, either in the glass or a decanter to enjoy all it has to offer. Bright mid cherry red in colour, it opens up with aromas of the forrest – spice, earth, truffle and undergrowth providing a savoury start. But then pretty aromatic fruits start to emerge – beetroot, dark cherry, star anise and potpourri all underpinned by well chosen oak. It is beautifully complex and, most of all, superbly balanced. The palate continues on that earthy, brooding line with tobacco, stalk and spice offset by fleshy dark cherry fruits. It is almost surprisingly tannic with strong structure and also a meaty/funky edge on a long and supple finish. Delicious and great value Kiwi Pinot." (2019 vintage)
Tom Cannavan "Made with wild yeasts again, with 18 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and another nicely pale Pinot. So much sweet truffle, coffee and forest floor here, but a depth of ripe fruit too as another layer. That richness, that suggestion of mocha, is there on the palate, but the keen raspberry edge of the fruit and acidity sharpens everything up. This has great fruit but an unwavering clarity too, and lots of savoury orange and grapefruit in the mix for a formidable example of Marlborough Pinot at, or near, it's best." (2019 vintage)
Jancis Robinson "Paler and less blue than the exceptional Dog Point 2017 Pinot Noir. Transparent garnet. Sweet, violet-scented fruit. Very gentle, delicate and nuanced but not quite as compelling as the 2017. It's savoury and dry – there's no distracting sweetness, no beetroot quality, no obvious oakiness. Very light vegetal note but it's fully ripe fruit. So neat! You could certainly enjoy it now but I suspect it might be even better next year. Amazing that one producer can be so good at both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and pretty smart Chardonnay too." (2019 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Deliciously fruit pinot noir with plum, dark cherry, anise, spice and nutty oak flavours among the more obvious descriptors. A dense wine with underlying power and obvious potential but dangerously drinkable now. This must be one of Marlborough's most consistently top reds. And it's organic" (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The medium-bodied 2017 Pinot Noir is taut and tight, with subtle notions of green rose hips entwined with white strawberries and tart raspberries. Endowed with silky tannins and ample concentration, it should improve over the next couple of years and drink well for up to a decade." (2017 vintage)
James Sucking "This is very convincing, complex and downright impressive pinot noir. The intense aromas of ripe-cherries and plums are framed in such intensely attractive oak spice and earthy, sous-bois complexity. The palate has regal, polished and powerful tannin and carries a vibrant core of very attractive, rich dark cherries." (2017 vintage)
Oz Wine Review 2019 “Part of the secret to this label’s success is the Dog Point Vineyard itself, which is one of the oldest privately owned vineyards in Marlborough. Planted by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland back in the late 1970s, it remains not only the backbone of the Dog Point label but also a key source of fruit for a whole swathe of premium Marlborough producers.”
James Suckling “Impressive structure and concentration. Terrific complexity in the mix here, too. Blueberries and mixed cherries on the nose and palate with a terrific layering of plush, assertive tannins and a fresh, vibrant kick into the finish.”
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Medium to full-bodied, with a rich, velvety mid-palate, it finishes dry and firm...Subtle cinnamon and clove notes appear on the nose, along with black cherries and cola shadings."
The Real Review "Dog Point Vineyard, one of Marlborough’s brightest stars."
Bob Campbell "A small family owned, boutique winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand – New Zealand’s premium wine growing region. Dog Point Vineyards produce wines that respect the natural integrity of the land from which they are made and, reflect the experience and passion of the people that make them."
The Real Review "Dog Point Vineyard, one of Marlborough’s brightest stars."
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Biogro New Zealand.
It was an exciting day for wine lovers when Cloudy Bay's former viticulturalist and winemaker Ivan Sutherland and James Healy decided to go out on their own. Dog Point vineyards were some of the earliest to be planted in Marlborough and thus have some of the oldest vines in the region. Dog Point is named for the sheep-herding history of the area.
Organic philosophies drive Dog Point's approach to wine growing and in March 2012, 150 hectares of Vineyards were certified organic by BioGro New Zealand, with another 60 hectares certified as C1 (2 years in conversion). A flock of around 2,000 sheep including Romney, Perendale Cross and Merino Wiltshire Cross are grazed in the winter to keep the grass low and fertilise as they go.
Marlborough is New Zealand's most important wine region by far. Situated at the northeastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region is home to over 500 growers and produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine.
In recent years, the region's earliest Pinot Noir vines have come of age, and are now producing some first-class wines. Marlborough Pinot Noirs are generally lighter and fruitier than those from Otago and Martinborough.
Pinot Noir is the dominant red wine grape of Burgundy, now adopted in wine regions all over the world including western Germany, northern Italy, Chile, South Africa, Australia and, perhaps most notably, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
The essence of Pinot Noir wine is its aroma of strawberry and cherry (fresh red cherries in lighter wines and stewed black cherries in weightier examples), underpinned in the most complex examples by hints of forest floor. Well-built Pinot Noirs, particularly from warmer harvests, also exhibit notes of leather and violets, sometimes approaching the flavor spectrum of Syrah.
94/100 Cameron Douglas MS 94/100 James Suckling 94/100 The Wine Front 93/100 Wine Spectator 92/100 Adrian van Velsen - vvWinech 90/100 Wine Review Online 95/100 Bob Campbell MW (2019 vintage) 95/100 Angus Hughson (2019 vintage) 94/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage) 93/100 Tom Cannavan (2019 vintage) 91/100 Vinous (2019 vintage) 90/100 CellarTracker (2019 vintage) 17/20 - Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage) 96/100 - Bob Campbell (2017 vintage) 95/100 - James Suckling (2017 vintage) 94/100 - The Wine Front (2017 vintage) 91/100 - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017 vintage) 17.5/20 - Vinum (2017 vintage)
Organic
Cameron Douglas MS "Really impactful and interesting bouquet with aromas of soil and flowers then red berry fruits, a mix of new barrel and older, a sense of place and time. A wine for the cellar with a tautness and youthful power, polished tannins and acidity are contrasted by core cherry and wild red berry fruit flavours, wild strawberry and plum. Oak weaves its way through the palate with power and impact."
James Suckling "This has a complex nose of wild strawberries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts, thyme, nutmeg and bark. Sleek tannins with a creamy texture. Medium body. Silky, long and sophisticated with wonderful depth. From organically grown grapes."
Wine Spectator "Plush and expressive, offering blackberry, black cherry and blueberry notes at the core, backed by hints of bittersweet chocolate, dried herb and tobacco. The velvety tannins linger effortlessly."
Adrian van Velsen - vvWinech "Medium ruby red. The nose is fresh and open, revealing roasted notes, red-fruited aromas, and spices. On the palate, it is approachable and already drinking beautifully — nothing dominates. Exceptionally clean, with clear fruit expression and fine-grained, ripe tannins. Long on the finish. A modern wine that is sure to appeal to many."
Wine Review Online "I know Dog Point for their fabulous array of Sauvignon Blancs, but was unfamiliar with their Pinot Noir, so jumped at the chance to try it at a local restaurant. A style that is fruit focused and clean with a fine texture make it a perfect choice for current consumption. Its smoothness and mixture of red and black fruit notes made it a delight to drink, making up for the lack of savory nuances found in the best Pinot Noirs."
Bob Campbell MW "Supple, vibrant, organic pinot noir with cherry, violet, blackcurrant leaf, spice, anise, and subtle nutty oak flavours. High-energy wine with impressive purity. An elegant and youthful pinot noir with obvious cellaring potential." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "Attractive, earthy and spicy aromas are wound seamlessly into bright, red and darker cherries. This is complex and fragrant with dialed-in oak. The palate has impressively intense red-cherry flavors with succulent acidity and smooth, fluid tannins. Composed finish." (2019 vintage)
Vinous "An understated Pinot Noir that is self-assured on the midpalate. It has a lovely sense of sinew, providing a chalky tension through the midweight core, which is emphasized further by the streak of cool-climate acidity. This isn't fruit-forward; it's a more savory expression, with high violet notes providing the top line of the score and subtle herb and cedar notes (30% new French oak) bringing up the base. Already starting to drink well, this has the structure to evolve from now to the mid-term." (2019 vintage)
Angus Hughson "Of the new releases from Dog Point this wine was the pick. But if you plan on drinking it young give it some air, either in the glass or a decanter to enjoy all it has to offer. Bright mid cherry red in colour, it opens up with aromas of the forrest – spice, earth, truffle and undergrowth providing a savoury start. But then pretty aromatic fruits start to emerge – beetroot, dark cherry, star anise and potpourri all underpinned by well chosen oak. It is beautifully complex and, most of all, superbly balanced. The palate continues on that earthy, brooding line with tobacco, stalk and spice offset by fleshy dark cherry fruits. It is almost surprisingly tannic with strong structure and also a meaty/funky edge on a long and supple finish. Delicious and great value Kiwi Pinot." (2019 vintage)
Tom Cannavan "Made with wild yeasts again, with 18 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and another nicely pale Pinot. So much sweet truffle, coffee and forest floor here, but a depth of ripe fruit too as another layer. That richness, that suggestion of mocha, is there on the palate, but the keen raspberry edge of the fruit and acidity sharpens everything up. This has great fruit but an unwavering clarity too, and lots of savoury orange and grapefruit in the mix for a formidable example of Marlborough Pinot at, or near, it's best." (2019 vintage)
Jancis Robinson "Paler and less blue than the exceptional Dog Point 2017 Pinot Noir. Transparent garnet. Sweet, violet-scented fruit. Very gentle, delicate and nuanced but not quite as compelling as the 2017. It's savoury and dry – there's no distracting sweetness, no beetroot quality, no obvious oakiness. Very light vegetal note but it's fully ripe fruit. So neat! You could certainly enjoy it now but I suspect it might be even better next year. Amazing that one producer can be so good at both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and pretty smart Chardonnay too." (2019 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Deliciously fruit pinot noir with plum, dark cherry, anise, spice and nutty oak flavours among the more obvious descriptors. A dense wine with underlying power and obvious potential but dangerously drinkable now. This must be one of Marlborough's most consistently top reds. And it's organic" (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The medium-bodied 2017 Pinot Noir is taut and tight, with subtle notions of green rose hips entwined with white strawberries and tart raspberries. Endowed with silky tannins and ample concentration, it should improve over the next couple of years and drink well for up to a decade." (2017 vintage)
James Sucking "This is very convincing, complex and downright impressive pinot noir. The intense aromas of ripe-cherries and plums are framed in such intensely attractive oak spice and earthy, sous-bois complexity. The palate has regal, polished and powerful tannin and carries a vibrant core of very attractive, rich dark cherries." (2017 vintage)
Oz Wine Review 2019 “Part of the secret to this label’s success is the Dog Point Vineyard itself, which is one of the oldest privately owned vineyards in Marlborough. Planted by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland back in the late 1970s, it remains not only the backbone of the Dog Point label but also a key source of fruit for a whole swathe of premium Marlborough producers.”
James Suckling “Impressive structure and concentration. Terrific complexity in the mix here, too. Blueberries and mixed cherries on the nose and palate with a terrific layering of plush, assertive tannins and a fresh, vibrant kick into the finish.”
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Medium to full-bodied, with a rich, velvety mid-palate, it finishes dry and firm...Subtle cinnamon and clove notes appear on the nose, along with black cherries and cola shadings."
The Real Review "Dog Point Vineyard, one of Marlborough’s brightest stars."
Bob Campbell "A small family owned, boutique winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand – New Zealand’s premium wine growing region. Dog Point Vineyards produce wines that respect the natural integrity of the land from which they are made and, reflect the experience and passion of the people that make them."
The Real Review "Dog Point Vineyard, one of Marlborough’s brightest stars."
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Biogro New Zealand.
It was an exciting day for wine lovers when Cloudy Bay's former viticulturalist and winemaker Ivan Sutherland and James Healy decided to go out on their own. Dog Point vineyards were some of the earliest to be planted in Marlborough and thus have some of the oldest vines in the region. Dog Point is named for the sheep-herding history of the area.
Organic philosophies drive Dog Point's approach to wine growing and in March 2012, 150 hectares of Vineyards were certified organic by BioGro New Zealand, with another 60 hectares certified as C1 (2 years in conversion). A flock of around 2,000 sheep including Romney, Perendale Cross and Merino Wiltshire Cross are grazed in the winter to keep the grass low and fertilise as they go.
Marlborough is New Zealand's most important wine region by far. Situated at the northeastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region is home to over 500 growers and produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine.
In recent years, the region's earliest Pinot Noir vines have come of age, and are now producing some first-class wines. Marlborough Pinot Noirs are generally lighter and fruitier than those from Otago and Martinborough.
Pinot Noir is the dominant red wine grape of Burgundy, now adopted in wine regions all over the world including western Germany, northern Italy, Chile, South Africa, Australia and, perhaps most notably, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
The essence of Pinot Noir wine is its aroma of strawberry and cherry (fresh red cherries in lighter wines and stewed black cherries in weightier examples), underpinned in the most complex examples by hints of forest floor. Well-built Pinot Noirs, particularly from warmer harvests, also exhibit notes of leather and violets, sometimes approaching the flavor spectrum of Syrah.
