Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 1999

In New Zealand, Pinot Noir owes a great deal to the early pioneers who took a punt on the grape doing well in the Martinborough region. This label was one of those who put the grapes in the ground, and winemakers like Larry McKenna deserve our gratitude for making such great expressions of this noble varietal. A deep purple colour, with a big perfume, filled with cranberry, raspberry, oolong tea, loam and toasty oak on the nose. The palate is quite dense, with considerable tannin extraction. The New Zealand style was big and bold back then, and this is a classic example. It is also showing a hint of that green note that was common then. Still, savoury, deep and generous – it has lasted the 25 years well in bottle. 95pts