2015 Last Chance Pinot Noir

Two-hectare terrace of 'raw schist gravels' in Earnscleugh, Alexandra, one of the world's most southerly vineyards. Clones 115 and 5 at 3,500 vines a hectare. 4 tonnes/ha, 80g bunches. Exceptionally pale garnet. Not the most expressive at this stage marked more by high acidity than deep flavour. May develop more subtlety. Lovely texture even if only embryonic flavours with a hint of tamarind. (JR)

Even ruby-red colour with slight purple hues, paler on the edge. The nose is very refined with intensely fragrant dark-red and black cherry aromas lifted by dark-red and violet florals, complexed by subtle notes of dark herbs and whole bunch stalk nuances. This has focus and purity with elegance. Medium-full bodied, the palate has harmoniously interwoven flavours of dark-red and black cherry fruit lifted by red and violet florals, forming a smooth and integrated heart with dark herb and black mineral detail. The palate is lively, vibrant and rich with fresh acidity and fruit drive providing depth and linearity. The wine carries to an elegant, finely concentrated finish of dark-red and black fruits and herbal and mineral suggestions. This is a finely concentrated Pinot Noir with dark-red and black fruits, fragrant florals, and herb and mineral complexities on a smooth, integrated and linear palate. Serve with lamb, beef and venison over the next 6-8 years. Clones 115 and 5, hand-picked and sorted, indigenous yeast fermented with one-third whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 11 months in one-third new French oak barriques. Apr 2017, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz

Attractive pinot noir that’s been made with a light touch to produce a wine with appealing purity and subtlety. Red cherry, rose petal, wet stone mineral and spicy oak flavours. Silky texture with fine peppery tannins on the finish. A wine with a strong sense of place. Apr 2017, www.bobcampbell.nz