2008 Te Tera Pinot Noir

June 2009 Reserve Wine Club Selection

A few years back, we discovered a small vineyard called Martinborough that was producing a very good Sauvignon Blanc from eponymous appellation in New Zealand. Te Tera Sauvignon Blanc became a staple on our shelves, but it was only this year that the quality of their Pinot Noir came to our attention. Perhaps it was the blessing of a very good growing season, or the able hands of winemaker Paul Mason, but whatever the cause, we've found Martinborough's 2008 Te Tera Pinot Noir to be a fantastic example of what New Zealand Pinot can be: at once light and silky, but also carrying deep chocolate and plum flavors that make it rich without heaviness. Ever humble, the winery gives much of the credit to the mercy of Mother Nature in this vintage. "Excellent winter moisture soil moisture combined with a very settled spring (to give us) some of the best flowering conditions we've ever seen. Glorious summer weather...minimal rainfall...a dream season overall...If only Mother Nature were this kind all the time!"