The Ned Pinot Noir 2008 (Marlborough, NZ)
$30, Screwcap, 13.5%
Source: Sample
http://www.thened.co.nz/

I went through a big block of random wines (including some top end Cherubino and Craggy Range gear) on Friday and this – surprisingly enough – was one of the few I felt like drinking (I even pointed it higher than the multi trophy winning 08 Craggy Range Te Muna Pinot). Of course I may well have just been thirsty, but that doesn’t quite explain it. Rather, I think that this just pushes all the right drinkability buttons (if that makes sense) in a very friendly, Pinot fruit-pure package.

It starts with ripe tomato bush and peppery meaty aromatics – which is welcomingly varietal for a Marlborough Pinot – alongside some more typical red raspberry fruit. There’s quite a deal of fruit actually, which is probably why it is so appealing. Palate wise it’s plump, ripe and smooth in that lovely, polished Marlborough style. Lots of flesh and proper Pinot flavour with a clever dry finish. It’s not ultra serious, but it is smart drinking for the dollars, and that deserves celebrating. 17.7/92