Bannock Brae ‘Crawford’s Block’ Pinot Noir 2020

A Pinot Noir from Bannockburn, Central Otago – the Bannock Brae vineyard soils are schist gravels and particularly sandy. A deep ruby purple colour in the glass. Elegant and complex on the nose, with blackberry, cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, then woody herbs of sage, rosemary and thyme, and a top note of violets and lavender. A ‘reserve style’ expression with plenty of good oak, very fine tannin and juicy acidity. Layers of savoury elements – leather, white pepper and mushroom contrast with some vanilla notes from the oak. Smooth, with excellent length on the finish. 93pts