Schubert's 2017 Block B Pinot Noir is a fine effort, boasting seductive dark aromas of cola, spice, vanilla, black cherries and mulberries. It's full-bodied, supple and velvety on the palate, with a slowly unraveling thread of complexity on the lingering finish. It spent 18 months in 45% new French oak but isn't overly marked by wood or structure. For drinking over the next 5-6 years, it will be hard to beat.

The 2015 Block B Pinot Noir is a blend of Dijon clones (113, 114, 115, 667, 777), completely destemmed and aged in 45% new oak. It certainly highlights the fruit that these clones are capable of providing, offering up notes of red plums, cherries and raspberries, all wrapped in a cloak of cedar and vanilla. There's a wintergreen note as well, plus savory undercurrents of earth and cola spice. This is a medium to full-bodied wine, with supple tannins that fan out elegantly across the finish.

Medium ruby coloured, the 2013 Pinot Noir Block B has beautiful scents of lavender, roses and dried leaves over a core of red currants, cranberries and red cherries plus a waft of mossy bark. Medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of red berry and earth flavors with a solid backbone of finely grained tannins and racy acid, finishing long and layered.

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2011 Block B Pinot Noir is made from Dijon clones 777, 115 and 667. On the nose, it offers black raspberries, anise, some violets, plums and oolong tea. Medium-bodied, it has a great core of rich fruit flavor framed by medium levels of grainy tannins and a long, layered finish. Drink it now to 2021+. German born and recent immigrants to New Zealand, Kai Schubert and wife Deimling both studied at Geisenheim University in Germany before traveling the world in search of a place to produce great Pinot Noir. Having worked in Australia, California, Oregon and around Europe, they finally settled on a small but beautiful corner of Martinborough in1998. The two of them are now more local than most of the locals and great proponents for the region. Their Single Block Pinots are amongst the finest in New Zealand, exhibiting more of a restrained, structured style that makes them approachable in youth, but thry really blossom with a few years’ aging. Imported by Singular Selections, Martin Tiersky, Chicago, IL; tel. (847) 864-1612

The 2010 Block B Pinot Noir was matured 16 months in French oak, 50% new and reveals a medium ruby-purple color with an earthy / meaty nose over a core of dark berries, charcoal, soy and anise aromas. Full-bodied and densely packed with dark fruit flavors and earthy / savory nuances, the generous flesh is well supported by medium to firm finely grained tannins and enlivening acidity. It has a very long finish. It should age beautifully and drink best 2014 to 2020+. Schubert’s Block B stands shoulder to shoulder with New Zealand’s finest wines. Lovers of great Pinot should certainly look to put a few bottles of this away in their cellars. Imported by Singular Selections, Evanston, IL; tel. (847) 864-1612; www.singularselectionsusa.com