Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir has a very pretty, floral scented nose with notes of roses and violets over a core of cranberries, Bing cherries and pomegranate. Light to medium-bodied, the palate gives a wonderful intensity of perfumed red berries with just enough herbal and earthy lift, supported by finely grained tannins and harmonious acidity, finishing long. A great showing for Cloudy Bay!

Mostly Barrack vineyard (12-year-old vines), with a bit from the Delta vineyard and the Mustang block in Brancott. Light blueish crimson. Light nose with rather simple aromas. Some green streak in the wine. Solid tannins on the end. Chunky. Not aggressively sweet. An attempt at burgundian savour but very embryonic at this stage. Pretty if a little simple. (JR)