2010 Greywacke Marlborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.56, $35, screwcap. Released February 2012. This winery is named after New Zealand’s prolific bedrock and the label displays the name of proprietor Kevin Judd, one of Marlborough’s pioneering winemakers. Fruit is sourced from mature vineyards within the central Wairau Plains and the Southern Valleys. Predominately Dijon clones 115, 777 and 667, with smaller amounts of Pommard and AM 10/5. Most of the fruit was de-stemmed with some whole bunch inclusion. Indigenous yeast fermentation, hand punch downs, aged in 45% new French oak barrels for 15 months and fined for clarity before bottling. The wine is made at Dog Point Winery in the Brancott Valley. Imported by Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark berry jam, spice, forest floor and a hint of black cherries. Earthy with flavors that echo the nose, becoming richer and more enticing over time in the glass. Silky, with soft tannins and a good cut of acidity on the finish. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good and worth seeking out. Reviewed October 2, 2012

Winery: Greywacke
From article: New Zealand Pinot Noir: Hot or Not?