Brancott Living Land Pinot Noir 2011 (Marlborough, NZ)
13.5%, Screwcap, $19.95

Brancott Living Land Pinot

Source: Sample
www.brancottestate.com

From certified organic grapes, which is great to see on a Marlborough Pinot at this pricepoint. Surprisingly few Marlborough vineyards are certified organic actually, with disease pressure often cited as one of the reasons why organic viticulture is not more widespread. Changing rapidly though.

It smells great. All red cherries l, bark, some cough syrup volatiles and more light red fruit. The palate though shows very little, the flavours looking surprisingly absent after the juicy nose. Roasted edge and surprising warmth also do little favour, suggesting either slight overcropping or some out of condition fruit.

Whilst the palate should flesh out with time in bottle, it may never live up to the promise of the nose…15.3/84