The 2013 Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir is closed and taut at this point, but interestingly and perhaps most pertinently, the wine is showing very little signs of aging. It is all graphite and enoki mushroom, pencil shavings and dehydrated orange peel. In the mouth, the fruit is dark and intense but not overflowing or flamboyant as one might expect. It doesn't lean on its fruit for its flavor at this point, and that makes for incredibly elegant drinking. I'd be inclined to leave this “a wee while longer,” as the New Zealanders say. 13.6% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

(vinified with 24% whole clusters): Bright, dark red. Captivating floral lift to the slightly liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, plum, orange zest and spices. Plush and sweet but with racy acidity giving definition and a firm edge to the lightly saline dark berry, spice and underbrush flavors. Finishes solidly tannic, brisk and persistent. With its combination of silky texture, slightly edgy acidity, slight reduction and serious tannins, this wine is a bit youthfully disjointed today and in need of a couple years of cellaring.