Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago
Review Date : 26-Jan-2014
Light ruby-red colour with a dark heart, lighter on edge. The nose is softly full and evenly presented with aromas of dark cherry fruit, spices smoke and a little resinous, nutty oak. Complex. savoury undergrowth and dried herb whole bunch characters unfold in the glass. Medium-full bodied, the palate is solid and rounded with good weight and presence. The fruit expression is restrained and light, with brooding flavours of dark berries and cherry fruit along with subtle earth, dried herb and nutty oak elements. The tannins are supple, providing balancing structure and fresh acidity supports the textural flow. Some alcohol power emerges and carries the palate to a long solid finish. This is a solid and weighty Pinot Noir with plenty of mouthfeel and presence. The flavours should grow to show greater interest over the next 5+ years. Match with casseroles. 70% clone 6 fruit from the ‘Inlet’ vineyard fully destemmed, and 30% clones 5 and 115 from the ‘Black Rabbit’ vineyard with 20% whole cluster, fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine on skins 31-32 days and aged 11 months in 35% new French oak barrels. 17.5/20 Jan 2014 RRP $39.00
