Ruby-purple in color, the 2009 Pinot Noir has lovely ripe cherry, red plum and red currant fruit over black pepper and underbrush. Medium bodied with grainy tannins it has just enough red berry flavor, lively acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2014. Sherwood Estate was started 25 years ago by Dayne and Jill Sherwood. They now have 8 vineyards covering 200 acres - 3 in Marlborough and 5 in Waipara. “Waipara has good mid-palate weight compared to Marlborough with lower cropping in general and the tannins tend to be a bit firmer,” Dayne commented during my visit in July 2011. The wines are naturally fermented using indigenous yeast. The “Heritage” range is made purely with Waipara fruit, with these wines in particular aiming at “being different from your average NZ wine”. These guys are doing a commendable job and their prices offer incredible value.Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

The wonderful 2008 Pinot Noir has a lovely cranberry and raspberry leaf nose with superb definition. The palate is very well crafted with fine tannins, well judged acidity allowing the joyous fruit to really express themselves: raspberry, a touch of blueberry and dark cherry. Given the price, this is exceptional value and comes highly recommended. Bravo! Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

A light, fresh rendering of Pinot Noir, with modest pomegranate and button-mushroom aromas and flavors. Drink now.——J.C.(6/1/2010)—— 84