Cloudy Bay, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2021

 Casual drinkers who are nevertheless fanatic in their love of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs often overlook the fact that the region makes Pinot Noirs as good as – and perhaps better than – the whites, wines which often have attractive herbal notes to add to the fruit.  This one is dark cherry in color – a little unusual for most Pinots – aromas and tastes, is rich and flavorful and just a bit aggressive for a Pinot, with a touch of tanginess in the finish.  While certainly not rustic, this isn’t a wine searching for elegance.