JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Santenay 1er Cru Clos de Tavennes , Santenay

A classic Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir, a multi-layered wine, very concentrated without appearing big or heavy, with positive tannin support. At its best it shows a masculine charm with a distinct terroir-related identity, aging superbly.

Moss Wood are not know for their Pinot Noir, however this is a fine a unique expression of region and variety. A fruit bomb of rich and integrated flavours of cherry, spice, charry oak and silky finesse on the finish. The flavours pop and linger in the mouth long after the wine has left it.

Many class Ata Rangi as the quintessential 'New World' Pinot Noir, the best example of the variety outside of Burgundy. It's hard to argue when you let the supple, dark berry and spiced fruit pass your lips. Considered 'Grand Cru' in New Zealand, Ata Rangi was awarded the inaugural Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa classification, cementing its pedigree.

From vines yielding less than 1 tonne/acre, 100% whole bunch, natural yeast ferment, 100% new oak. A powerful and structural Pinot Noir by Lethbridge. An unusual presentation of the MV6 clone in the Estate vineyard produces fruit of great density of flavour, and very low yield (0.5 tonnes/acre). This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunch inclusion and had pre-fermentation maceration for 7-10 days. Wild yeast fermentation in small open vats proceeded with daily pigéage. Pressing was straight to barrel (100% new French oak) to allow for gross lees contact and natural MLF.

Cool climate single vineyard origin: Derwent Valley Tasmania 42.6°SHandpicked on a fruit day after the harvest moonWhole bunch wild ferment with gentle pigeageMatured 12 months en seasoned demi-muidBasket pressed, bottled unfined and unfiltered with perfect natural balance

This cuvée is sourced from one of the best terroirs in the village of Chorey. About 375 cases are produced each year.Ripe fruit on the nose and the palate juicy, on the dark side, with good assertiveness. Black cherries, plums and a note of local undergrowth adding savouriness. Some lovely praline and blue fruit notes emerge with breathing.

Here too there is a similar mentholated nose on the spiced plum, dark cherry and warm earth-suffused aromas that are trimmed in enough wood to mention. The delicious and energetic middle weight plus flavors display focused power on the moderately austere finish where a touch of dryness slowly emerges. I suspect that this will round out in time as the dryness is subtle. Drink 2028+.

Subtle hints of menthol and wood toast can be found on the spicy liqueur-like aromas of plum, cherry and cassis. There is once again fine verve and delineation to the stony medium weight flavors that deliver very good length if less complexity on the very firmly structured finale. This may well surprise to the upside if it can add more depth with time in bottle, which it definitely needs. (Drink starting 2030)