A rare wine from Martinborough, only made in exceptional years – and not often – I can only recall two other occasions I might have tasted this wine, from a handful of vintages. A fairly dark ruby in the glass, opaque, and with a little brick red – age – showing around the edges. The Martinborough savoury signature of peat, smoked meat and mint-herbals is there, alongside a red cherry, almond and blackcurrant. Quite dramatic on the oak – this is a statement bottling – but that sits well in this wine, toasty and forthright, framing the fruit. The age has mellowed that ripeness, but what you have is a well-balanced core where that big oak and fine tannin sits nicely next to the acidity and fruit. The finish is rich and generous, and is the lasting impression. 94pts
Martinborough Vineyard ‘Marie Zelie’ Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
