Mount Riley, 17 Valley Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Bought at FWs after recommended by J. Lovely, (but not unexpected) nose and palate of strawberries with a plesant, balanced finish. A good, solid Pinot that is very fruit driven but also confirms why I prefer my pinots from Martinborough. Decent effort but nothing spectacular.

I was recently introduced to this wine at a Purple Palate tasting where I met the wine maker. A great young guy with some decent pedigree behind him. That night we tasted the 2006 version of this wine and it impressed me greatly. It channeled its French cousin from Gevrey-Chambertin displaying the firm-masculine and tighter stuctures, with lots of red and black fruit, and earthy barnyard finish. This vintage, I am not sure why we didnt get 07 and 08, …