Marlborough, Oyster Bay, Pinot Noir, 2006
I've read a lot about the up-and-coming New Zealand Pinots, and yet they're always (or just about) as expensive as Oregon or French Pinot. Why gamble on my limited budget? So it was nice to get this as a gift. However, my fears were realized. It wasn't horrible Pinot. In fact, it was very drinkable. Yet, it was overly oaked-up. Tons of vanilla. So it's a bit of a "pop" Pinot, if you will.
The flavors were not bad, but not in the least complex. Basically, it's super-red-cherry. On the nose there were hints of something -- maybe squash, maybe dry hay -- but overall it's cherry. Lastly, the mouth-feel was, well, not exactly syrupy -- and not biting -- but it was thicker than it ought to be. On the other hand it wasn't too thin either. And definitely not exciting.
Cost:
Rating:
5.5