Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2009 Pinot Noir has pronounced aromas of red cherry, warm raspberries and lavender with nuances of cinnamon stick, violets, cranberries and cloves. Medium bodied with a medium level of silky tannins, it has a good backbone of lively acidity, plenty of mouth-filling berry and spice flavors and a long finish. Drink it now to 2014+.I generally agree with Neal Martin’s previous comment about some of Cloudy Bay’s wines produced over the last couple of vintages perhaps being “a notch behind other Marlborough producers”. However, I did find some very good wines to recommend during my recent visit. Trust me, my visit was not typically befitting of the fanfare laid-on by a Champagne House with the soft light, foie gras canapes and gentle tinkle of classical music playing in the background. White winemaker Tim Heath and I stood tasting in a stoically sterile white tasting room and deconstructed his recent work over the course of just an hour or so. I’ll cut to the chase and state that in the cold, hard, clinical light of that tasting room, I think that Tim is making some very positive moves towards filling some very big shoes.Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 888-7575

Although CB made its reputation on Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Noir is finally achieving a similar level of quality. Dark cherry fruit is couched in notes of sandalwood, cinnamon and clove, framed by tannins that are silky without being excessively soft. Drink now–2016.——J.C.(4/1/2012)—— 91