Budget Wine Week Day 7: Chalkboard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011

Chalkboard Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 (Central Otago)
13.5%, Screwcap, $19
Source: Sample
www.vintagecellars.com.au

The Chalkboard range is an exclusive Vintage Cellars label – although I’ve noticed the wines in Liquorland stores too – with the wines made under contract by other makers. This Pinot was made by Greg Hay from Peregrine and, like everything under the Peregrine label, it’s one very smart wine. Strictly speaking I’m conflicted as this a supermarket own label, yet the wine is genuinely good.

A very pretty, juicy wine it is too, all open red cherry fruit flavours on a polished and generous palate. It’s utterly slurpable in its red fruit form, yet there is acidity and structure too. A genuine, simple CO red of fun and vibrancy. Pinot fruit a go-go.

Drink: 2013-2015
Score: 17/20 90/100
Would I buy it? Yes.