PINOT NOIR
95 Quartz Reef 2021 Bendigo Pinot Noir (Central Otago). Evocative aromas of cranberry, strawberry, dried herb, violet and warm stone lead, with a chocolaty underbelly. There’s lovely freshness and fruit-forwardness on the palate, and a fine, herb-flecked tannin structure that adds density and power. This is elegant, ageworthy and highly expressive of its Otago subregion. Drink now—2031. Wine Dogs Imports LLC. Cellar Selection. —C.P.
abv: 14% Price: $49
94 Craggy Range 2021 Enticing aromas of cherry and blueberry liqueur are laced with mocha, cedar and subtle floral and herb aromas. Though the wine is still quite primary and plush, there’s excellent acidity and fine-boned tannins that suggest that, while a lovely tipple now, it should evolve quite beautifully until around 2031. Kobrand. —C.P.
