Greywacke, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2010

 In Marlborough’s Southern Valleys there is a noted vineyard area known as Brancott, where Kevin Judd sourced the grapes for this juicy Pinot Noir.  After soaking the juice on the skins, helped along by daily hand plunging, fermentation using indigenous yeasts was carried out in French oak barrels.  The wine was then aged in barrel for 15 months.  It shows a lovely deep medium ruby color, with violets and boiled tea aromatic accents that follow over to the flavors.  There’s nicely integrated smoky-toasted oak and ripe berry flavors, supported by refined tannins, 14% alcohol and good length.  This is a delicious Pinot that drinks well now but will develop more complexity and depth with additional bottle aging.