2003 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir. Brancott Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. 13.6% alcohol. $35.
Light ruby red with attractive though simple cherry and oak aromas overlain with a bit of vanilla and stemminess. A bit thin and tart (tart strawberry flavor) on the palate. Light tannin and a decent finish. Uninspiring and not as good as prior vintages. Fruit is completely de-stemmed and given a cold soak before fermentation using wild yeasts. The wine is brought up in French oak approximately 50% of which is new. Seven clones are used with the majority coming from the AM10/5. Drink now to 2008. 83 points.