Nelson is one of New Zealand's smaller wine regions, comprising the top portion of the country's southern island. This vintage comes from vineyards on a wide river flat.

The proximity to the ocean helps moderate the temperatures, which is key to growing this finicky grape, which is picked in late March and April. The wine was stored in French barrels for a year before it was bottled.

Pinots are generally soft and delicate, but this wine has a strong, tannic backbone. The wine opened up and displayed some of its berry fruit flavors and cinnamon spice when accompanied by food.

Sherry: "Very dry, acidic raspberry with a vanilla finish." 2-1/2 stars

Chris: "Cinnamon and beefy bouquet, cherry flavor and a bit of vanilla at the end of a dry finish." 3 stars

Available locally for about $15.

Coming next week: Muscat de Beaulieu