2015 Mount Edward Pinot Noir Central Otago

Slightly darker fruited and more concentrated than the 2016 TED, the 2015 Pinot Noir remains a medium-bodied offering, redolent of rose petals, black cherries and spice. Only 15% new oak was used, so it remains in the background, letting the fruit shine and leaving the fruit tannins to carry the structure. They spread out across the palate, fanning out on the finish to leave behind a gentle coating of silky dryness. (JC)

Could this be the best ever Mount Edward Pinot Noir? It's fairly early to say but it might just be! This is showing beautifully right out of the bottle; a perfect varietal mix of bright, floral, perfumed, exotic fruit combined with wild thyme, brambles and earthy nuances that are utterly seductive. Central Otago Pinot Noir almost always has great fruit but very few have the layers and complexity this wine possesses. On the palate the texture is silky and svelte; fresh, juicy and expressive as a young wine but clearly packed with character and intrigue that will continue to unfold for many years to come. Mount Edward has long been a staff favorite and perennial best seller here at K&L and this wine will no doubt cement that position - it's rocking wine I couldn't be happier recommending.

There is a great perfume here, with deep red fruit and a spiciness that could put it in the Côte de Nuits. The palate is almost effortless with great purity, bright acid, crunchy red fruit, and impressive depth. It lingers with notes of baking spices and stays light on its feet through a compelling finish. If I had the patience, I would watch this evolve over the next five to ten years. But as good as it is now, and at this price, it's going to be difficult to resist. Another superb effort from the folks at Mount Edward.