Craggy Range, Martinborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir Te Muna Road Vineyard 2011

($46, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Craggy Range recently held ten-year vertical tasting, from their first vintage in 2002 to the 2011, of their Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir.  The tasting demonstrated that Craggy Range is–without doubt–one of New Zealand’s top producers of that variety.  The wines showed marvelous complexity with age without drying out or losing their fruit.  The 2011 was especially exciting because, even as a young wine, it had the engaging combination of fruit flavors and savory, earthy notes.  It impressed not with its weight, but with its delicacy.  Mind you, it does not lack impact, but you kept wondering, where did all that flavor come from in such a delicate wine?  Try it with grilled salmon. 95 Michael Apstein Jul 2, 2013