Wooing Tree Pinot Noir / 2019 / 750mL

The Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2019 is a generous, dark-fruited Central Otago Pinot Noir with the warmth and depth that Cromwell Basin fruit tends to give. Medium-bodied but plush, it leans towards black cherry and spice rather than the lighter, red-fruited end of the variety.

The aroma opens with black cherry and ripe plum, then a savoury layer of dried thyme, cocoa and a hint of smoke. On the palate the fruit arrives sweet and rounded, with darker berry flavours filling the middle before a twist of star anise and something faintly earthy comes through on the back half. Tannins are fine and powdery, holding the wine's shape without drying it out, and there is enough acidity to keep the ripeness in check. The texture is silky through the middle, and the finish is long and gently spiced, with the fruit fading to a savoury, almost tea-leaf note.

Serve at around 16°C in a large bowl, and give it half an hour open if you can. It suits duck breast, mushroom risotto, roast lamb with rosemary, or a plate of hard sheep's cheese. At this age the 2019 is drinking in its prime and should hold comfortably through to about 2027, though there is no need to wait.