Ballochdale Estate
Ballochdale Estate Pinot Noir 2013 Awatere Valley Marlborough 13.5%
Fruity, varietal and youthfully forward with plenty of fresh light red fruit aromas of red cherry, sum warmed strawberry and red apple skin; a light brown spice note highlights the oak influences - well measured - not invasive with a light spice and vanillin layer. On the palate - dry with medium+ acidity and tannins that demand attention - a mix of oak and fruit - together suggesting a wine that needs some more bottle time to relax and melt into the fruit a little more; fruit flavors of red cherry and strawberry return. That said - a wine that displays all the hallmarks of drinkability and ageability - tense and youthful whilst showing enough concentration to give me confidence this will be really good in 12 months time. Balanced thought youthful and well made.
4 Stars
Fruity, varietal and youthfully forward with plenty of fresh light red fruit aromas of red cherry, sum warmed strawberry and red apple skin; a light brown spice note highlights the oak influences - well measured - not invasive with a light spice and vanillin layer. On the palate - dry with medium+ acidity and tannins that demand attention - a mix of oak and fruit - together suggesting a wine that needs some more bottle time to relax and melt into the fruit a little more; fruit flavors of red cherry and strawberry return. That said - a wine that displays all the hallmarks of drinkability and ageability - tense and youthful whilst showing enough concentration to give me confidence this will be really good in 12 months time. Balanced thought youthful and well made.
4 Stars