2013 Grey’s Peak (Greystone Wines) Waipara Valley New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $24.99, screwcap. Imported by DJK Imports, South San Francisco, CA. Hand selected by K&L Wines. Vineyard is in South Island, one hour north of Christchurch, and sits in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps of Lord of Rings trilogy fame.100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermented, post-fermentation extended maceration up to 3 weeks, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of toasty oak and pipe smoke. On the palate, the juicy black cherry core has plenty of oak overlay. Modest tannins and easy drinkability, with a sweet and sour cherry-driven finish. Score: 88. Reviewed February 5, 2016

Winery: Greystone Wines
From article: Revisiting New Zealand Pinot Noir on the Occasion of Spectacular 2013 Vintage