If you're a Pinot Noir fan, I mean a classic Pinot Noir fan, you will enjoy this Mud House from Central Otago. Some of the classic flavours come out (barnyard, almost musty) but ripe with blackberry fruit. Central Otago is making a name for themselves and competing with Martinborough to be New Zealands Pinot capitals. If you haven't tried one from the region before this is a great starting point.

Medium minus ruby to garnet in colour with medium to medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: A simple fruit forward Pinot featuring pine, Bing cherries, sour cherries, cranberry, pomegranate and finishing with a bit of earthiness. Medium to medium minus in body & tannins with good acidity & a fairly decent length.

Negatives: A little too much tartness at the back of the throat. There's quite a bit of heat coming from the listed 13.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: Chill this more than you would normally chill a Pinot to bring out the fruit & lessen the affect of alcohol. Try around 10-12 C.

Drink now on its own or pair it with roast duck.

Tasted: 31 Oct 12 Happy Hallowe'en

Score: 8/10, Value: 8/10, Total: 16/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3