Mahana Clays and Gravels Nelson Pinot Noir 2013 $42 ★★★★½
Nelson produces some of the best pinot noir in the country and this is a great example of why. I love the aromas of tea, baked strawberries, cherries and all manner of earthy-sweet smokiness. ‘Mahana’ means ‘warm’ in Maori and there’s definitely smoothness and warmth sewn into the seams of this organically produced wine. Full and savoury in the mouth, with lush, supple, elastic tannins and edged with just a sniff of cranberry and pepper – it’s quite something. www.mahana.co.nz
