The 2008 Pinot Noir is matured in Francois Frere barriques, 50% new, for 18 months and bottled without fining or filtering. Medium-deep ruby colored, the nose is very fragrant, floral, with notes of violets and lavender over red cherry and crushed raspberry plus nuances of cedar, thyme, loam and moss. Crisp, medium bodied with a medium level of fine grained tannins, it has a long earthy finish. Approachable now, it should cellar to 2016+.“When we started, we really didn’t know where we were going to go,” James Healy, winemaker and co-founder, confessed as I perched on a stool in the winery’s tasting room. “Ivan (Sutherland, viticulturalist and co-founder) and I are such different people. But we see eye to eye a lot of the time. We never wanted to do the big thing. We wanted to do it for ourselves and develop.” Only 6 years after the first anticipated releases from these ex Cloudy Bay, etc. stalwarts, it’s now hard to imagine Marlborough’s complex jigsaw puzzle of players complete without this dynamic duo that is Dog Point. Emphasis on the vineyards, proponents of cork for all but their Sauvignon and use of indigenous yeast aren’t the only things that define their edges – the wines are simply superb.Importer: Ex Cellars Wine Agencies Inc., Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

The 2008 vintage wasn’t an easy one in Marlborough, but Ivan Sutherland and James Healy (both formerly of Cloudy Bay) have turned in an excellent effort. Even after almost four years, the wine remains dark and vibrant in color, with bold black cherry fruit accented by hints of plum and coffee. Tannins are soft and acids crisp, making it a wine to enjoy over the next few years. ——J.C.(4/1/2012)—— 90