This is a first ever vintage… and the vineyard site has shown what it’s capable of… bright dark red, pungent aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and mace, sweeter and more pliant than many, it’s also a bit darker in character than many NZ or even most New World Pinot Noir’s. This is a sexy, juicy, sweet wine with lovely breath of flavour, there’s moderate density here, but it comes across as being light on its feet. If you’re looking for a very classy Pinot Noir which you can crack open and enjoy straight away you won’t go far wrong with this. Being the first ever vintage, yields are very low and quality is high, production was only 500 cases, and we purchased one third of the production, but I’m not certain how long it will last, to be safe drink it up between 2009 and 2014. There’s a very talented team behind this label and my feeling is “it’s a winery going places”.

This wine is pale straw in colour with a fragrant bouquet showing a leesy nose infected with peach, pear and floral aromas. The palate shows lime, pear and white peach flavours with a touch of almond and rose petal notes, generous but soft finish.

The 2008 Nautilus Pinot Noir, is continuing a great tradition, again it displays a deft touch of sweet ripe fruit, backed by seasoned oak notes, the whole comes together with poise and precision, and still with some power. Fresh, fruity and easy to understand when sipping this, why so many people are so enamoured with Pinot Noir. This is another stupendous bargain. Tasted January 2010

I have to say, this is rather enticing; mid red ruby in colour, light in structure with fragrant sandalwood, cherry and red berry aromatics, with the slightest touch of bonfire embers. The palate is clean and fresh, not overly complicated but very juicy with a supple texture, and a slight lift of spicy character; good smooth finish. For the price this is a very solidly built Pinot Noir and I also have to admit, it’s the best I’ve tasted in its price range.

This shows a very light pale yellow colour, fruit driven aroma’s of grapefruit, lime and kiwi, countered by fresh herbs, but it’s not at all green in aroma or taste, this is vibrant and intensely flavoured, as well as being rather supple classic Marlborough fruit, there’s a touch of sweet/sharp tropical fruit in the mid palate, finishes with noteworthy spice and length. This is even better than the 2008 vintage, well up there with wines costing twice as much.