2013 Tongue In Groove Clayvin Vineyard Marlborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $29.99, screwcap. Imported by DJK Imports, South San Francisco, CA. An iconic site in all of New Zealand sitting at the top of Brancott Valley, one of the first areas in Marlborough recognized for winegrowing potential. Deep clay soils, high-density planted, organically farmed. Cold soak, indigenous yeast fermented with 25% whole clusters, high portion of whole berries, 21 to 25-days on skins, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, natural malolactic fermentation. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Little fruit on the nose which features aromas of underbrush and oak. Mid weight plus flavors of dark red and black fruits with generous power on the mid palate and finish. Well-matched, muscular tannins. A solid fruit-driven expression of Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed February 5, 2016

Winery: Tongue In Groove
From article: Revisiting New Zealand Pinot Noir on the Occasion of Spectacular 2013 Vintage