JM 1ST APPROACH

Winemakers James Healy and Ivan Sutherland have taken Dog Point quickly to the upper echelon of wines produced from New Zealand, and tend to go about their way with humility. Both are quick with humour, generous with their time and have an unnerving energy for their winemaking, which they keep very hands on. 2010 for me has seen some swings and roundabouts with Marlborough pinot noir in general, but a quiet vogue for restraint, pulling back on ripeness and heady concentration, seems to be happening with many producers – a good thing for distinction in Marlborough with the variety.

A hushed approach to the wine – gentle red cherry fruit, peppery with twigs and stems, smoke and cola. An attractive entry when the glass whips up perfume. Silky texture through the mouth – a wash of medium weight, understated sweetness of fruit and prickly, piquant oak. It’s a structured and built wine but harmonious and pleasing – very easy to drink but reveals its hand as a classy wine with seamlessness and compaction. Finishes with a moreish, refreshing lick of acidity. Classy. Rated : 93 Points WInefront.com.au

The Dog Point Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010 (19.0+/20), fermented to 14.0% alc., the wine aged in new and seasoned French oak barrels has a deep, purple-hued ruby-red colour, youthful in appearance, the bouquet is full of vibrant dark plum and cherry-berry aromas with hints of violet florals, earth and minerals adding notes of interest.  Ripeness and fruit richness are allied to brightness on the nose. Medium-full bodied, the ripe dark plum fruit flavours show waves of spices and liquorice alongside lifted violet florals.  The palate has succulence, and a sense of harmony pervades, with fine-grained supple tannins supporting the fruit and integrated, unobtrusive acidity.  A linger spicy finish is a highlight.  This will develop well over the next 5-8 years. 19/20 Raymond Chan