Dry River Pinot Noir Martinborough 2008

Date of Tasting: 17 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Martinborough, New Zealand

Appellation: Martinborough

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://dryriver.co.nz/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 91/100, WE - 91/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Ruby in colour with hint of purple.

Aroma: Sweet red fruits and cherry mainly with forest floor on the background. Mild spices.

Palate: Exhibit layers of sweet fruits primarily: cherry, raspberry, and plum. Fresh and crisp. Medium-full on the structure. Fine tannins. Hint of vanilla and oak. 

Not quite the same in character as in other New Zealand pinot noir. Its fruit character stands out pretty nicely. But its sexiness comes when more dimension started showing out: spices, vanilla, flowers, earth, and etc. It is not quite old world in style nor masculine new world. Elegant and velvety are sure ones. Though it is not my style but I cannot disagree it is an enjoyable one.

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
AG = Antonio Galloni
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine
ST = Stephen Tanzer
CT = Cellar Tracker Average Score