Saint Clair, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2008

This is the first Pinot that I’ve tasted from Saint Clair, whose Sauvignon Blancs I esteem very highly, and let’s just say that the wine proves that this producer is no one-trick pony.  Light and fresh, but with good intensity and depth of flavor on a slight platform, this is an exemplary Pinot that reflects an appropriate (in my view) preference for delicacy over power in Pinot Noir style.  The wood influence is quite subtle, showing a pleasant but restrained spiciness in the wine’s finish, which is firmed by tannins that frame the fruit without imparting any bitterness or astringency.