Cropped at 4tons/ha and matured for 12 months using 20% new French oak, the 2007 Moutere Pinot Noir is relatively taciturn on the nose with dried herbs and a slight leafy quality. The palate is ripe and tannic, nice cohesion here with dark cherries, cranberry and a touch of spice on the crisp finish. It eschews the more ‘front palate’ style of Pinot Noir for something more?cerebral. The wines from this outstanding producer were tasted blind at a regional South Island tasting, although time restraints meant that one or two were unable to be appraised. Importer: Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA; tel. (831) 689-9080

This wine’s beautifully complex aromas include hints of brown sugar, cinnamon, dried herbs and flowers, all swirling around a core of cherry fruit. It’s medium-bodied and supple in the mouth, yet it retains a sense of power and sinewy acids that should make it drink well for 5–8 years. ——J.C.(6/1/2011)—— 91