To my shock, I found that the new world wines beat the old world in most rounds at the Pinot Pundit Challenge.
Round one saw a spätburgunder which I found a bit flat and leathery before its time, face off against a much better Kumea River. Both were in the £14-16 price point.
Round two saw things heat up with a delicious Jura that stomped all over the round one drinks. It had an aroma of violets, and red fruits. I overheard someone nearby say ‘struck match’ and I couldn’t help but agree. By comparison the Yarra Valley it faced was tightly compacted and not as expressive.
By round three, I was pretty excited. We had a Beaune from the old world and a Central Otago from the new world. For me the Central Otago won hands down: it was fruitier than the Burgundy but with just as much complexity. It was full bodied, well structured and quickly joined the list of the most memorable wines I’ve ever drank. The Burgundy by comparison felt astringent and too tannic at this age.