Central Otago "Mark II" Pinot Noir 2013, Chard Farm Winery

A second top end wine tasted at the Chard Farm Winery with the knowledgeable Pauline as well as the wonderful winery cat Harry. The Mark II is from a single vineyard in the less well known Parkburn district in the Cromwell basin. Mostly produced from a parcel of Abel clone pinot noir with additional grapes from clone 777 and 667. Harvested on April 21 2013 and bottled on September 8, 2014. This pinot opens on plum, cacao, oregano, rosemary. Black licorice. Lovely dark fruit. Lighter on the mid-palate. Medium plus tannins. This is a serious pinot with a core of ripe verging on over-ripe black fruit. Possibly lacks acidity to support long-term aging. Very good although I preferred the Tiger sister wine. Impressive given the youthfulness of this region and the vines all of which are less than 35 years old.