Anchorage "Reserve" Nelson Pinot Noir 2010

Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Nelson

17/20

Even, light ruby-garnet colour with some depth. This has a bright, lifted nose of dark cherry fruit and tamarillos, unfolding violetty floral perfumes and oak spices. Medium-full bodied, concentrated flavours of dark cherry fruit, savoury tamarillos, herbs and oak form a juicy core. Lively acidity and supple tannins support the fruit, providing good tension through the length of the palate, the wine finishing with sustained oak spice notes. Distinctive sweet and savoury fruit flavours are the focus of this lively, balanced Pinot Noir. Serve with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired cuisine over the next 4-5+ years. Fruit from two vineyards detstemmed, given a cold soak, and fermented with whole berries to 14.0% alc., the wine on skins around two weeks, then aged 16 months in predominantly French oak barriques. 17.0/20 May 2012

The Drummond family have been making reliable wines offering value from their 40 ha of vineyards and contract fruit in the Motueka and Moutere districts in Nelson since the 2003 vintage. Justin Papesch has been the winemaker from the start and the consistency and building of the Anchorage brand is based on his safe retention of the fruit resource. New labelling has been introduced with the latest releases, and the use of colour identification for the different varieties has lifted the presentation. The "Reserve" tier is subtly, but clearly distinguished as well. The distinctive silhouette of the yacht remains the feature and reflects the lifestyle of the Motueka region. The latest releases consolidate their work with the recognised Nelson varieties, but also with the more innovative Viognier and Syrah grapes.

These are well-made wines that are safe and sure buys.