Kokolo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014

Light ruby-red colour with some purple hues, pale on edge. This has an elegant and finely presented nose with good intensity of red cherry fruit with notes of red liquorice, lifted by dark red florals, and entwined with spice and herbal elements. The aromatics are tightly bound and pretty. Medium-bodied, the palate is tightly bound and slender in proportion with aromatic dark red cherry fruit flavours and red liquorice, along with floral lift and refreshing herb nuances. This is primary in expression. The wine follows a finely extracted line and the mouthfeel enlivened by crisp acidity, and is carried to a firm, lingering finish with cherry flavours. This is a crisp, refreshing cherry and red liquorice flavoured Pinot Noir with a tight, firm line. Match with poultry and pork over the next 3-4 years. Clones 777, 667, 115, 5, 114, 375 and 10/5 from the ‘Lloyd’ and ‘Winton’ blocks of the ‘Kokolo’ vineyard, hand-picked, fully destemmed, given a cold soak and indigenous yeast fermented with 90% whole berries to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 10 months in seasoned French oak. 17.0+/20 Nov 2015 RRP $36.00 Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

Grapes were grown on Kokolo Vineyard at the head of the Lyttelton Harbour for this engaging pinot. Aromas of dark cherry, game, truffle, dried herb and clove on the nose. The palate is finely textured and focused with excellent fruit weight and rounded mouthfeel, well structured by plenty of polished tannins. Lovely poise and complexity, this would make a wonderful partner to rich, meaty dishes. At its best: now to 2020. 93 points 5 stars Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2015