2012 Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $34.99, screwcap. Imported by Empson USA Inc., Alexandria, VA. The Donaldson family, who own and operate this winery, are pioneers of local winegrowing and winemaking. Ivan Donaldson is a wine writer, wine judge and viticulturist. His eldest son, Matthew, is a winemaker and 2012 marked his 20th vintage at Pegasus Bay. A multi-clone blend from vines up to nearly 30-years-old and on their own roots. Mostly de-stemmed, whole berry fermentation, 10% whole clusters added to vats. Cold soak, postfermentation cold maceration of 1-2 weeks, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, underbrush and barnyard lead to a middleweight styled wine with earthy dark red and black stone and berry fruits underpinned with a light touch of toasty oak. Inviting elegance, modest tannins, and a very enjoyable finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 5, 2016

Winery: Pegasus Bay
From article: Revisiting New Zealand Pinot Noir on the Occasion of Spectacular 2013 Vintage