2008 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 5

Screwcapped bottle bought as part of the lot offered in aid of victims of the Christchurch earthquake. Mid ruby. Complex blend of dried herbs on the nose. A fairly big, very slightly brutal hit of ripe fruit on the front palate but very recognisably serious Pinot. Tannins virtually dissipated leaving good fresh fruit. Obviously very fine fruit with perhaps just a small sign of heavy-handedness with the oak? But in 2008 it must have been one of NZ's finest Pinots. (JR)

Deep ruby colored, the 2008 Block 5 Pinot Noir gives intense aromas of warm raspberries, dried herbs, underbrush, tree moss, rose petals, pepper and a whiff of fennel seed. Crisp, medium to full bodied with a medium level of silky tannins, the concentration of flavors here is profound, contributing to the very long, earthy finish. Drink it 2012 to 2018+. Winemaker Blair Walter continues to work his magic with the recent releases from Central Otago’s most famous Estate. There’s not a wine less than excellent in the bunch, but these days it would be more of a story if there was. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd., St. Helena, CA; www.wilsondaniels.com

Deep ruby colored, the 2008 Block 5 Pinot Noir gives intense aromas of warm raspberries, dried herbs, underbrush, tree moss, rose petals, pepper and a whiff of fennel seed. Crisp, medium to full bodied with a medium level of silky tannins, the concentration of flavors here is profound, contributing to the very long, earthy finish. Drink it 2012 to 2018+. ||Winemaker Blair Walter continues to work his magic with the recent releases from Central Otago’s most famous Estate. There’s not a wine less than excellent in the bunch, but these days it would be more of a story if there was. Wine Advocate.October, 2010