1999 Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir

Two Pinot Noir's towered over their peers, one was the 1999 Martinborough Vineyard, the other was the extraordinary 1999 Ata Rangi from the same district. Both wines are as scarce as 'hens teeth' but absolutely worth getting hold of.Grapes were sourced from the McCreanor, Station Bush and Cleland vineyards as well as from the Martinborough Vineyard.Deep mauve crimson colour, demonstrating that pinot can in fact have good colour. Superb nose with strong aromas of cherry, spice, game, strawberry and toasted oak. The palate displays that great quality that is so eagerly sought after in Pinot - depth, concentration and pure flavour power. Totally mouthfilling, and just keeps building in strength, with flavours of cherry, spice, strawberry, beetroot, rhubarb and 'Californian poppy'. Velvet smooth tannins, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste, and just a hint of stalkiness emerging. An outstanding result. Cellar 4-5 years.