“The 2021 Pinot Noir is a classic Marlborough Pinot – overwhelmingly fruity and balanced,” said winemaker Victor Joyeux about it. Part of the Pinot harvested from the southernmost cool-climate, clay, stony valleys of Marlborough is fermented in whole bunches in open vats for 21 days with skin contact, then aged for 11 months in French barrels after gentle pressing.

It’s an intense, elegant wine with blackberry, sour cherry and raspberry notes, plus sweet barrel spices in the background. It’s worth letting it breathe for a short time.