I was looking forward to trying this particular Pinot Noir as I had never tried any wines from New Zealand. Since several distinct aromas and tastes came through in this wine that I had not experienced before, I even researched New Zealand and located the Cloudy Bay area after my tasting to determine if I was, in fact, "on the right track" with my impressions. That's where it got very interesting!
2004 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir - 14% alc.
I enjoy reflecting on the color of any wine as it is backlit only by candlelight, and this Pinot Noir was a vivid melding of redwood and cinnabar crystals in my glass. Perhaps it is that enchanting glow of light that always seems to infuse my tastings with a touch of "allure," but for me, ambiance is everything. The very nature of wine is seductive in that it compels us to respond to it on a sentient level and this wine is no exception.
This Pinot Noir was served at room temp immediately upon opening with a simple offering of red pear slices and chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese which suited my tastes and appetite perfectly. The nose washed over me initially with the fresh scent of sea spray on rocks then marooned me on a luscious stack of crimson-red Bing cherries with a subtle undercurrent of black licorice. Fascinating! I can not recall ever tasting licorice in a wine before. The tannins were smooth in my mouth and supported the juicy ripeness of the fruit securely. The length was determined and left me with a silky finish.
As I have never been to New Zealand, my knowledge of this island country is limited, but I discovered that Cloudy Bay isn't just a mysterious-sounding, dreamy name for a wine but an actual location. It is located on the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island overlooking Cook's Strait in the South Pacific. The vines at Cloudy Bay are planted on deep alluvial gravels in this maritime climate which explains so much of what I personally experienced with this wine! There it was again...terroir! That is very cool to me.:cool: