2021 Marlborough Pinot Noir

The 2021 Pinot Noir is spicy and warming, with nutmeg and star anise, pomegranate molasses and cherry, poached strawberry and forest floor. In the mouth, the wine is lacy and light but persistent through the finish, with a creamy cushioning from the oak. These wines age tremendously well, so its levity now is not an indicator of a shortened drinking window; rather, it is something to accept and celebrate during its evolution over time. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Full screwcapped bottle 1,300 g on the button. Vines, a mix of clones, are an average of 21 years old and are farmed 'according to organic principles'. 30% whole bunches. Spontaneous fermentation lasted three weeks. Aged for 18 months in barrels (30% new). Bright, mid garnet. Funky, savoury Pinot aromas and flavours that finish bone dry. No obvious sweetness here but a wine made to develop greater interest and last in bottle. Some violet aromas and even a slight butteriness of texture. Really interesting wine that has not yet reached its full potential. Grainy, peppery finish adds interest. Long. (JR)

Full screwcapped bottle 1,300 g. Bright garnet. Quite a subtle (dry!) nose of restrained cranberry fruit and, like the Chardonnay 2021, bone dry. Survived well in an open bottle which suggests a long life. Far from simplistic but it's so dry that it demands food. Not a casual wine bar sipper ... Really refreshing and long. Well done! Positively savoury (very unlike many a Marlborough Pinot) and a wine that should be of interest to burgundy lovers. (JR)