Giesen, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2011

 The three Giesen brothers opted to not produce a basic, inexpensive pinot noir because at their entry-level price, they would have been forced to make a thin, less interesting wine than they can make at the higher price point of The Brothers tier. "We wanted to do everything right when it came to pinot," said Alex. That means lower yields for greater ripeness, hand picking and hand sorting, the finest barrels, etc. The result is a rich, well-balanced pinot that exhibits complex red and black fruit aromas, hints of spice and firm tannins.