Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2011 Pinot Noir presents red currant and red cherry notes with some nutmeg, cinnamon and hints of pepper. Light to medium-bodied, it is a very elegant style with a low level of fine-grained tannins, balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2019+. Neil McCallum was one of the Martinborough wine pioneers, planting some of the first vineyards in Martinborough at Dry River in 1978 and remaining with this winery until his departure in 2011. For Dry River, the biggest gains in recent years have come from McCallum’s refining their vineyard techniques. In fact, very few changes have happened in the winery over the years (well, except for the cross-flow filter, of course). It’s a curious vineyard to look at – I don’t think I have ever seen Pinot vines so big! Burgundian examples look like bonsais next to these Pinot trees splayed out on a Scott Henry trellis. Still, the ultimate proof is in the taste, and in terms of quality Dry River Pinots are right up there. I truly hope that the new team can look to one day wean themselves off that cross-flow filter though, at least for the Pinot. Imported by RO Imports LLC, New York, NY; tel. (212) 916-3320; fax (212) 916-3306