Medium-deep ruby-purple colored, the 2009 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir has slightly minty black cherry and pomegranate aromas with touches of chocolate and cinnamon. Crisp, rich and full in the mouth with a medium level of chewy tannins, it finishes long with lingering notes of cinnamon toast. Drink it now through 2015. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300

The 2008 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir is outstanding. A deep, more introspective nose, gradually unfurling to reveal baked cherry, plum and boysenberry notes?Musigny to the Sluicings Bonnes-Mares. The palate is beautifully balanced with great weight – filigree tannins, brilliant harmony on the finish. This is so feminine and wily – a Pinot from the top of the drawer. Sublime. Craggy Range continue to press forward with their ambitious plans and are rapidly becoming one of the most familiar New Zealand producers both at an entry-level, having successfully penetrated the competitive supermarket shelves in the UK, but also winning plaudits for their array of flagship bottlings such as Le Sol, Sophia and The Quarry. I concentrated on new releases but re-tasted some of the Pinot Noirs that I felt have improved significantly. Importer: Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700

The 2007 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir has also improved significantly since its tank showing last year and indeed has the most clarity on the nose amongst Craggy’s 2007 Pinots with red-berried fruit, hints of lavender and dark plum. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, quite backward and a little pinched – certainly needing time to open up but it should be worth the wait. Nice grip on the finish but I feel that this has barely started motoring. Craggy Range continue to press forward with their ambitious plans and are rapidly becoming one of the most familiar New Zealand producers both at an entry-level, having successfully penetrated the competitive supermarket shelves in the UK, but also winning plaudits for their array of flagship bottlings such as Le Sol, Sophia and The Quarry. I concentrated on new releases but re-tasted some of the Pinot Noirs that I felt have improved significantly.Importer: Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700