Exceptional scores for Lothian in Neal Martins report of over 600 South African wines

Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Supplied by, Shelley Webb
Lothian wines scored exceptionally well in the Neal Martin Report, released on the weekend. eRobertparker.com, the online partner to The Wine Advocate, published the score listing from the internationally acclaimed wine critic, much to the delight and dismay of many of South Africa’s most esteemed wine producers.
The eagerly awaited results were well received by Gavin & Ewen Wilson, who run the Lothian Estate with winemaker Stephan Gerber and star viticulturist Kevin Watt.

This was the first scoring Neal Martin has made for this estate and Lothian, being a relatively new name in Elgin, was pleased with a 91 for their 2012 Chardonnay along with a score of 90 for their 2012 Pinot Noir. Martin commented very favourably on the Lothian Chardonnay which he describes as having “attractive notes of almond, dried honey and just a touch of spice to give it a little kick on the finish. Excellent” and on the Pinot Noir “It has a wonderful definition. The palate is fresh and vibrant. with fine tannins, bright red cherry and fresh strawberry fruit and a very pretty finish” adding “this is a very commendable Pinot Noir worth seeking out”

“This is great progress in 2 years. We are very happy with this first scoring by Neal” comments Gavin Wilson.

The Wine Advocate bi-monthly publication, headed up by the most revered and respected taster in the world, Robert Parker, is considered as ‘probably’ the most influential publication in the world of wine. To be rated in the 90’s is a good sign that it will do well in the International markets, especially in the states, where 80% of readers originate from.

Martin provided a 9 page commentary on his wine tasting experience of South Africa entitled ‘Old Head on Young Shoulders’ along with the ratings and remarked “South Africa is the most exciting country in the southern hemisphere’” adding “There is the feeling that South Africa’s time has come and that the country’s wine industry is on the cusp of a golden era that will eclipse everything in the past”.

www.lothianvineyards.com.