2012 Chard Farm The Tiger Pinot Noir, Central Otago

The Tiger Pinot Noir is a single vineyard bottling made from grapes grown in our Tiger vineyard in the Lowburn sub-region. The vineyard is on sloping land up off the valley floor and this elevated cooler position allows the vineyard to ripen slowly, building layer upon layer of flavour nuance and soft silky tannins. The wines from this vineyard typically display spicy aromatic red berry fruits and violets. The palate is characterised by a broad structure and layers of fine integrated tannin and fruit which is more textural than structural. The Tiger is always quite shy and reticent in its youth and after 4-5 years in bottle it really blossoms and expresses itself.

Crushed red berry fruits and intense fine spice aromas combine to make a wonderful perfume. The wine is velvety smooth and is supported by a broad fine tannin structure which leads to a long finish that is sustained, powerful and graceful

Made from small parcels of grapes grown in the Tiger vineyard in Lowburn. Pure, limpid Pinot Noir with bright cherry, spice and a hint of raspberry. Appealing wine, with a core of sweet fruit that's perfectly balanced by fine tannins. Accessible now but with good potential. 19 MAY 2015

95 points ob Campbell The Real Review.