2015 Tongue in Groove "Cabal Vineyard" Pinot Noir Waipara Valley

Full, even, dark ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim. The bouquet is softly full and deeply packed with concentrated aromas of savoury dark-red berry fruit with notes of dark plums interwoven with a layer of complexing dark and dried herbs with a lifted whole bunch stalk perfume element, some earth and mushroom and a suggestion of game. This has detail and plenty of complexity. Medium-full bodied, the palate has rich and mouthfilling, sweet and luscious flavours of savoury dark-red berry fruit along with notes of dark and dried herbs, some whole bunch stalk lift, unfolding earthy and undergrowth elements. The flavours are fulsome, but balanced by fine-grained flowery tannin extraction and soft, integrated acidity. The wine carries to an elegant finish. This is a rich, sweet-fruited Pinot Noir with complex savoury dark-red berry flavours with herbs, whole bunch and earth on a fine-grained palate. Serve with coq au vin, casseroles ans slow-cooked game meat over the next 6+ years. Fruit from the ‘Cabal’ vineyard, indigenous yeast fermented with 40% whole bunches and a portion of whole berries to 13.5% alc. the wine aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barriques.

The Cabal Vineyard bottling from Tongue in Groove continues to go from strength to strength. A few years back it was clear to see the potential from this site with its purity of fruit, exotic spice and suave mouth feel. Now it seems winemaker Lynette Hudson is teasing even more depth, structure and nuance out of the wine. This is the most complex and compelling showing yet. A darker fruited, more concentrated wine this year with forest berries, ripe plum, mole, and clove. Lovely weight on the palate with fine silky texture from the clay rich soils. So layered and luscious finishing with floral tones and a juicy mouthwatering lift. There is so much "pinosity" crammed into this bottle. Drinking beautifully now but sure to delight for another 5-8 years. K&L Staff Favorite.