Aroha Pinot Noir 2011

From the 2011 Aroha Pinot Noir a change of fruit was made for the selection for this label with an emphasis on the Abel clone and some Dijon Clone 667. The winemaking was also altered slightly to include more stems from 2011. The differences really do seem to show in this impressive first vintage. Medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, it has a nose of red plums, kirsch and red currant jelly with a waft of tree bark. The palate reveals great concentration and structure with a core of red berry flavors complimented with earthiness and framed by grainy tannins, finishing with great persistence. Readers should note that no 2010 Aroha was made.

Score: 94

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2021 01 January 2015