2006 Angel Flower Pinot Noir

The 2006 Angel Flower Vineyard Pinot Noir has a more fruit-driven nose with expressive red cherries, red currant and despite being 100% de-stemmed?a slightly stalky quality that I find attractive. The palate has a little more structure and poise than the Earth Smoke Vineyard with just beautiful, refined tannin structure, evidence of Mike Weering’s time in Burgundy. Hints of plum, cherry and strawberry on the brooding finish, this is a divine Pinot Noir. American-born winemaker Mike Weersing is massaging the belly of his oversize mud-loving pig. Yes, he is a biodynamist. Based just down the road from Bell Hill in Waikari, N. Canterbury, Mike tenured at Neudorf having learnt his trade in Burgundy, then with Randall Grahm and Ernie Loosen. Having found a suitable site in 2000 situated upon steep clay-limestone soils, he exacted a high density planting (10-12,000 vines/ha) and imposed biodynamic principles from day one. The 2006 is their debut vintage from their own vines, supplemented by fruit bought in from growers they admire in other regions including the Calvert vineyard in Central Otago where the biodynamically cultivated crop is shared with Felton Road and Craggy Range. This is an impressive range of artisan wines, especially given that this was the first crop from their own vines. One can only imagine what will be produced when they reach the same age as Burgundy Grand Crus, so watch this space! Importer: Terra Firma Wine Co., Oakland, CA; tel. and fax (510) 339-9498