2006 Vavasour Marlborough Awatera Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $24, screw cap. The family have made wine from the Awatera Valley since 1989, longer than anyone else. Sourced from high quality vineyards in Awatere Valley. Clones 115, 777 and AM10/5. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY. · Moderately deep reddish-violet color. Rich scent of black cherries with a subtle hint of oak char. Juicy earth-dusted cherry flavors with a riff of oak, citric peel in the background and a touch of smoke on the satisfying finish. Well-balanced and quite satisfying. Reviewed January 1, 2009

Winery: Vavasour
From article: More Sips of Pinot