2014 Central Otago Pinot Noir

Mid crimson. Spice and ripe fruit on the nose. Life and lift in the Otago herbal spectrum. Good savour. But I'm not sure it is streets ahead of the other Burn Cottage Pinot tasted. (JR)

Dark, bright red. Fresh, subtly complex aromas of dark berries, violet and minerals, plus a whiff of wild thyme. Juicy, vibrant and penetrating; classically dry but utterly seamless as well, with the red and darker fruit flavors energized by spices, flowers and white pepper. Most impressive today on the very long, firm finish, which leaves the palate vibrating. This superb Central Otago Pinot Noir needs at least a couple more years in the bottle to harmonize and blossom. California winemaker Ted Lemon (Littorai Wines) consults extensively here, directing grape-growing and winemaking, with Claire Mulholland, the ex-winemaker at Amisfield, serving as general manager and associate winemaker.

Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir has a profoundly perfumed nose with well-defined notes of violets, lavender, red roses and fragrant earth over a core of black cherries and mulberries plus a waft of cloves. Medium-bodied with a seamless backbone of finely grained tannins and lively acid, it gives an abundance of pure black and red berry flavors, finishing with superb length.