2010 New Zealand Wine

Deep ruby garnet in color, with lifted aromas of dark cherry and berry fruit on the nose, this precisely delineated, medium-bodied wine is marked by generous flavors of cherry and currant. The classic Central Otago dark cherry and spice character is accented by soft, rounded tannins and fine acidity, with a note of subtle new oak on the finish. Delicious now, with the potential to age for an additional 1 to 2 years.

New Zealand has a gift for making Pinot Noir, but never have its delights been available at a price this low before. Ponga is produced by the Scott Family Group, a totally family owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Blenheim wine growing region of Marlborough. Blenheim's free-draining, gravelly subsoils, together with the region's abundant sunshine, cool nights, and long growing season, are tailor-made for producing elegant, Burgundy styled Pinot Noir. As good if not better than many $18-$20 range Pinot Noirs, the 2010 Ponga Marlborough Pinot Noir is a total charmer, offering vibrant, pure, strawberry/black cherry-accented Pinot Noir fruit at an eminently affordable price.