A Central Otago Pinot, from a single vineyard in Lowburn, and a very good vintage. A dense burgundy colour in the glass, just showing some earthy red at the edges, with the bottle age. Wonderfully floral on the nose, with fragrances as savoury as sweet-fruited. Dark cherry, thyme, tapenade, rosehip and rose petal, bramble, tar, mocha and cassis. Ripe but restrained on the palate, with a mellow acidity now in retreat, and a delicious black-tea nuance of tannin. Dry and savoury ‘sous bois’ notes of damp loam, peat and roasted spices. Smooth and textural, with a concentrated mouth-filling finish showing liquorice, bay leaf and mulberry. Lengthy and harmonious with immense charm. 93pts
Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir 2009
