Nepenthe’s 2005 “Charleston” Pinot Noir was aged in French oak for 10 months. It is medium ruby-colored with an unmistakably Pinot Noir nose of raspberry and rhubarb. This leads to a medium-bodied, supple-textured wine with correct flavors but in need of more depth and concentration. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Nepenthe, owned by the Tweddell Family, began as a viticulture management company before starting their own winery, located in Lenswood, Adelaide Hills, in 1994.Importer: Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA; www.nepenthe.com.au; Also tasted: 2006 Pinot Gris (82)

This medium-bodied Pinot features aromas of vanilla, beet greens and a touch of cola to go with extremely soft tannins. Flavors of cola, cedar and earth end on hints of tart berries and coffee.——J.C.(8/1/2008)—— 85