Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2011 Moutere Pinot Noir offers tons of kirsch, pomegranate and mulberry notes with underlying lavender and cinnamon stick hints plus a waft of tree bark. It bursts in the mouth with red fruit and earthy flavors, sporting a solid structure of firm grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing with great length.

This is consistently one of the most distinctive, conisstent and complex pinot noir wines made in New Zealand. This Upper Moutere wine is always a deeper style of pinot that has an engaging interplay of richness and freshness. Acidity holds powerful fruit bright and the tannins are deeply layered. Smells of dark cherry, plum and blackberry, some gentle earthy notes and a little graphite. The oak is deeply buried in concentrated fruit and the integrated spices are entrancing. The palate has a texture that draws you in. Tannins suspended in layers of ripe and deep rich fruit, smooth pastry-like layering, plenty of baking spices and hints of chocolate. The acidity surges up and launches the finish in an exuberant style. Brilliant focus, length and purity. This is right on form. Drink in 2018.

Mid to pale crimson. Sweet very slightly jammy palate entry with some definition. Then a bit astringent at the moment. This is not quite ready but is a heartfelt wine with good freshness.