Drunk over a few days using my discarded soda water screwcap bottle system (DSWSBS), where I pour off just under a half of a 750ml bottle into one these little blighters (filling it to the brim, about 300-350ml as a rule), replace screwcap on bottle and place said bottle with contents in the middle door level compartment of the good old fridge when the house temperature is either warm or variable (as it is just at the minute with the "family" whinging, "oooooh, it's soooo cold out there, gotta turn the heater on" - now back "in the good old days", when I was just a lad, we had a different set of principles. When it was cold you put on warm or more clothes and if that didn't work you'd do something active to warm yourself up! My, how things have changed! please excuse the thread drift ...
), otherwise it sits on my tasting bench in the computer room. A little (easily removed) sticker with the wine's identity is also a good idea, as in the past I've had a number of these DSWSB's going at one time and the critical mass here is to ensure the wine is held in an environment where it can be enjoyed at a latter date in, hopefully, top condition and, of course, you know what you're about to drink. So the note that follows come off the DSWSB that's been in the fridge for 48 hours, left out at room temperature for enough time to be served at about 16 degrees celsius.Displaying an elegant light ruby with only a modicum of maturity in the edges this classy Pinot reveals amazingly fresh and attractive aromatics of sappy red cherries, minerals, game and integrated new spicy French oak. The medium-bodied palate delivers an instant replay of the descriptors found in the bouquet along with a crunchy succulence, melting fine-grained tannins, excellent length but retains vitality and freshness from some lively acidity. I've been impressed with the rare elegance of this particular wine since release and believe it will last for up to a decade if stored in pristine cellaring conditions (although ready to go now). 92 points. A great effort from a difficult vintage!