A buyer's guide for everyday wines. Winegrowers of Ara (New Zealand) Composite Pinot Noir 2006

























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     Winegrowers of Ara (New Zealand) Composite Pinot Noir 2006
I've previosuly recommended the Composite Sauvignon Blanc from the new, large-scale operation in Marlborough known as Wine Growers of Ara. They are working with high density planting, low yields and increasingly dry-farmed fruit. Now, they have introduced this Marlborough Pinot, bottled in screwcap and weighing in at a moderate 13% alcohol. With only 20% of the wine having been aged in French oak barrels, it has a nicely schisty and briary nose, with good Pinot perfume and a real sense of refinement. The palate has energy about it too, with lots of juicy cherry and orange fruit, and beautifully balanced acidity and tannins giving good length and a sense of precision. Fine stuff this, and well priced at £10.95, from Berry Bros.