2004 Rippon Central Otago Pinot Noir

13% alc., $36. Imported by Station Imports, Colorado Springs, CO. Nicholas Mills, son of founder Rolfe and Lois Mills, is now the winemaker here and several other family members run this winery. Nicholas spent four years living in France studying viticulture and winemaking in Burgundy and Alsace. He worked for and was mentored by Alain et Sophie Meunier from Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron, Nicolas Potel of Maison Nicolas Potel, Pascal Marchand of Domaine Vougeraie de Beauclair, and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. Upon returning to the family vineyard in 2002, Nicholas instituted biodynamic farming with no herbicides. The vineyard, along the shores of Lake Wanaka and probably the most photographed in the world, is non-irrigated and virtually all on it’s own roots. · Light in color. Sensual perfume of cherry, toast and spice. Sappy red fruits kissed by cinnamon spice, velvety tannins and a clean finish with admirable length. Elegance personified. A complete wine. The website is www.rippon.co.nz. Reviewed October 14, 2007

Winery: Rippon
From article: Newer New Zealand Arrivals