2015 First Paddock Pinot Noir

Gibbston, the first vineyard planted in 1993. Ungrafted clone 5 vines supplies this wine. Relatively wet site and fertile soils. Pale ruby. Quite pungent with some undergrowth and autumn leaves on the nose. Light bodied and a very different from the regular blended bottling. Edgy, bone dry and strongly 'natural'. One for the Paris wine bars? I like it but it's far from mainstream. (JR)

Full, moderately deep ruby-red colour with purple tints, lighter on the rim. The nose is concentrated with deep, intense and well-packed aromas of dark-red cherry fruit harmoniously melded with an amalgam of fresh, dark and dried herbs, and savoury whole cluster stalk elements, unfolding piquant red floral perfumes. This has power and aromatic depth. Medium-bodied, the palate has sweet, vibrant and juicy flavours of dark-red cherry fruit integrated with savoury dark herbs and whole bunch stalk notes. The fruit flavours form a well-concentrated core and is supported by balanced, fine-grained powdery tannin extraction, and enlivened by refreshing, lacy acidity. The wine flows with vitality and linearity, leading to a lingering finish of red fruits and savoury herbs. This is a densely packed, but elegant Pinot Noir with red cherry and savoury herb flavours on a vibrant, fine-grained palate. Match with wild duck and pork dishes over the next 6-7+ years. Clone 5 fruit from the first 25 rows, hand-picked and sorted, indigenous yeast fermented with 50% whole bunches to 12.5% alc., the wine aged 14 months in 30% new French oak. Apr 2017, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz

Light in colour but not in flavour. Elegant wine showing lovely purity and ethereal texture. Delicate cherry and raspberry flavours with spicy oak and a suggestion of fresh herbs. Charming wine with underlying power. Very impressive. Apr 2017, www.bobcampbell.nz