Coming from 115 and 667 clones, the 2008 Rive Vineyard Pinot Noir sees about 18% new oak. It has a bright medium ruby color and intense red cherry and spearmint aromas with some damp earth, beets, cinnamon and cloves. Medium to full bodied, this is a generously fruited Pinot supported by crisp acid and a medium level of fine tannins. It has a long minty finish. Pleasurable now, it should continue to drink to 2015. Former chief winemaker at Seresin, Brian Bicknell set up his own Mahi label in 2001 with an aim to use his considerable knowledge and experience of the lay of the Marlborough lands to focus on crafting wines of single vineyard expressions. In 2006 he purchased the Cellier Le Brun winery to use as his base and gave it an impressively understated makeover. The five vineyards that Brian oversees are all certified organic. Total production is a small yet respectable 14,000 cases per annum of premium wines that are truly punching above their price weights in terms of individual character and intrinsic quality.Importer: Maverick Wine Co, Bensenville, IL; tel. (630) 860-4600