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2001 JILL'S VINEYARD PINOT NOIR HOUSTON CHRONICLE JANUARY 21st, 2003 WE RECOMMEND ROWLAND CELLARS Two wines made by Rowland stand above the others, and one is the pinot noir from the Otago region on New Zealand's South Island, just north of Milford Sound and the Southern Alps, possibly one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Because Otago is such a cool region, it's perfect for pinot noir, and the 2001 Rowland "Jill's Vineyard" --* * * * 1/2 --is a prime example. It's loaded with ripe raspberry-strawberry-black cherry fruit, as usual, but also has a spicy nuance not found in earlier vintages. A bit of earthiness is more Old World than New. Rowland himself also picks up a hint of buttered popcorn, although that may elude many tasters. He's not certain what has caused this vintage to have a slightly different profile, although he thinks it may be related to the clone of pinot noir as well as the wild yeast during fermentation. The last time I tasted anything similar was in 1997 in the cellars at Burgundy's Dugat-Py, and it was a barrel sample. Regardless, it's a fascinating wine --and it tastes good, too. About $27.59. Wine Spectator     88 Points Rowland, 2001 Jill's Vineyard Pinot Noir "Bright and juicy, with pure currant and blackberry character balanced on a fine edge of lively acidity, hinting at chocolate, lingering nicely. Drink now through 2006. 228 cases made." (HS) Patty's Pinot Closet Rowland, Jill's Vineyard Central Otago 2001 $26          93 Points "Dense ruby-garnet unfiltered with earthy smoky cassis and blackberry aromas. Velvety and creamy in the mouth with a long lingering aftertaste." Click here to go to Patty's Pinot Closet November, 2003 Newsletter. Be sure to learn about...   All Contents Copyright © Rowland Cellars, Inc. Web site designed & maintained by Paul @ Missing Link Networks.