Offering all the 'perfect party pinot' attributes that makes this wine so popular, it is vibrantly clear in the glass with deep ruby hues. As usual, the bouquet is a lovely feature - white pepper and sweet spice with rose and violet and plenty of ripe raspberry which amplifies entrancingly with breathing. The juicy fruit continues on the palate which has terrific texture, finishing with a nice glycerol note and finely chewy tannins. Lively acid and bags of flavour. Cellaring for up to 4 years is a real option with this release.

Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir from Central Otago is a hit in every vintage; the Chard Farm folk who make it have the style parameters well set.