2016 Mud House Central Otago (New Zealand) Pinot Noir, 2016

 

An early review in Wine Enthusiast found this Central Otago Pinot Noir to be a bit too oaky. After a few years in the cellar, the oak impression is less obvious to me and the fruit flavors come through nicely.

Medium deep ruby. The bouquet (perhaps oak influenced) is lovely at this point. Flowers, fruit, spice. Red raspberry shading to cranberry on the palate. Also some citrus zest. Central Otago is squarely in the middle of the Southern Alps with high altitude and cool climate so the wine has ample acidity. For $13 a few yeares ago, this was an excellent value for a Central Otago Pinot.