Bird, Big Barrel, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, 2011

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

Sweet vanilla and spice; oak dominates the fruit; attractive in an obvious, oaky way. Medium length.

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

Lovely aromas of bay leaf, strawberry and vanilla. Palate has mushroom savouriness with ripe fruit and mineral notes. Plenty of structure to handle food or age, and a long, sweet fruit and earthy finish. Stylish and serious.

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

Elegant nose of perfumy, red berry fruit and savoury smoky bacon. Full-on spicy oak, slightly masking the cherryish fruit. Lacks a bit of elegance. Shows some heat on the finish.