Crafted by Jen Parr for Wild Earth Wines – a secondary label for them, destined for sale in FMCG – I bought the bottle in Countdown. Unfortunately I neglected to note the vintage, and the photo I took before recycling the bottle, doesn’t have the vintage on the front label – apologies.
A dark ruby-purple in the glass, with an upfront, vibrant and varietally-specific perfume. Aromas of black cherry, boysenberry and blueberry, alongside dried herb, terracotta and liquorice. Youthful, open and juicy into the palate. Tannin is chewy and robust, but there is a pleasing smoothness overlaid on that, and a brisk acidity, highlighting the ripe fruit. Oak is well integrated and not intrusive; and there is good concentration and balance for a drink-now, affordable Pinot Noir. Supermarket shoppers would do well to put this in their basket as an introduction to the delights of Central Otago Pinot from a talented producer. 88pts
