Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand: 14%; $35 [ screwcap; cold-soak 5 – 7 days; 11 months in French oak 35% new including MLF in barrel; www.wooingtree.co.nz ]
Ruby, some carmine and velvet, deep for pinot noir. Bouquet is magical, essence of Cote de Nuits pinot, with a deep boronia florals and dark roses note, wonderfully enveloping. Below this is gorgeous black cherry fruit, full-flavoured yet not weighty, unduly plummy, or over-ripe. Palate shows great concentration of fruit, superb aromatics on the black cherry, perfect acid, subtle oak, and great length in mouth. This wine immediately steps into the top rank of Otago pinots. See 2005 Delta Pinot Noir. Cellar 5 – 12 years. GK 11/06
