14% abv; 10 months in French oak of which 15% was new. The first thing that strikes me is its Pinosity. There is none of that slightly artificial, sharp, cranberry jam aroma that I sense in almost every NZ PN that has been available here since I got into wine. Instead it smells fresh, sexy and slightly spicy from the oak with the slightly savoury tang to the sweet fruit that always makes good Pinot so uncommonly appealing. Of course I would prefer less oak (when wouldn't I????), but if it is already showing more Pinosity than oak in this youthful stage, perhaps it is safe to say it should turn out well in a few years?
Quite rich, but the high alcohol doesn't show, the tannins are a bit softer than I'd prefer (but that's because I like tannins and grip in amounts rarely seen in Pinot apart from Faiveley or J-P Brun) but the acidity brings enough structure to keep the youthful, primary fruit from becoming overbearing. It's not Burgundy - and nor should it be since it's not from there. Possibly very good. And this is the first NZ PN that I feel somewhat excited by!
