Two Sisters, Pinot Noir 2011

I’d normally expect to pick a Pinot Noir wine simply from its (lighter) rufescent colour in the glass, but even by Central Otago standards, the Two Sisters Pinot Noir 2011 is more than just a little beguiling.

From a distance, there’s a definite dark ruby depth in the glass and only the slightest garnet tinges on the edges suggest that it could be Burdundian in origin.  But allow it a few minutes to open up and the cherry and cranberry floral characters emerge from the cedary herbaceous Pinot and like Pavlov’s dog, have you licking your lips in anticipation of what is to come.

Once on the palate, the assiduous nature of the dark berries enliven rich, sweet layers of red fruits which come wrapped in herbs and spices while supported by fine tannins across a dignified conclusion.

You could describe the Two Sisters Pinot as “medium bodied” and even “aromatic”, and at a $45 price tag, one might also add “great value” to the descriptors.