The Crossings, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, 2011

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

A little shy at first, then herbaceous red fruit; fresh understated palate with lean, tight grip, some jammy red fruit on mid-palate, reasonable length, but could do with a little more concentration.

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

Pale garnet colour; laurel and rose aromas; savoury, mushroom notes underpinning ripe bramble fruit. Light, sinewy tannins, long finish, but smoky oak starts to dominate. Feels old-fashioned.

Tasting: Marlborough Pinot Noir

Pretty, fresh, floral nose. Clean-lined, cherryish fruit on the palate with an elegant acid and tannin structure, but no great complexity.