2013 Charteris Pinot Noir

A native of New Zealand PJ Charteris has over two decades of winemaking experience that includes stints with Lindemans, Penfolds, Paul Jaboulet in the Rhone and Adelsheim Vineyard in Oregon. But it was his 12 years at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley where he earned his reputation as one of Australia’s leading winemakers. It was also here where PJ met his wife Christina and they realised their long held dream to establish their own wine label with the discovery of the Winter Vineyard, a top Pinot Noir site with the A-List address of Felton Road, Bannockburn in Central Otago. The first vintage was in 2008 but it wasn’t until 2011 when PJ decided to leave Brokenwood to give his full attention to Charteris. A blend of 2 vineyards, 60% Winter vineyard and 40% from the Broken Arrow block at Lowburn, the wine was matured in predominately old French oak for 18 months. Includes 10% whole bunch inclusion with the balance whole berry.

Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark crimson hue. Perfumed aromas of subtle violets, ripe dark cherries, plum and strawberry waft from the glass with following notes of anise, lightly toasted oak and spice. Rich, very generous and supplely textured the palate boasts mouthfilling flavours of ripe dark cherries, dark plum and strawberries laced with traces of anise over a background of subtlety toasted cedar and some dried meats with a quite spicy finish. Light to medium weight with velvety tannins. Superb power wave with a long spicy aftertaste of ripe dark cherries, dark plum, strawberry and meaty cedar.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14%

Other Reviews….
Clear, bright crimson-purple, this is wondrously fragrant, with truly beautiful red and black cherry riddled with spice. Power without excess baggage, not the Central sledgehammer style, despite 30 days on skins. Drink to 2025.
96 points
James Halliday – The Australian