Seductive Pinot nose, yet not archetypal Kiwi lushness. Opens up gradually, showing savoury complexity; finely poised palate, with layers of red fruit and the merest hint of herbaceousness; lovely acidity, fine tannins. Quite forward, yet promises much more.

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2013 Pinot Noir has a beautiful nose of roses and violets with lavender inflections over a core of red cherries, cranberries and black raspberries. Light to medium-bodied, it fills the mouth with elegant red berry and earthy flavors supported by very fine grained tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and complex.

Hot dry year but not overripe. New block. Pale crimson. Violets on the nose. Lovely sweet fruit with just a slight rusty-nail quality on the end. Dry finish. Complex but delicate. (JR)