Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 75cl

Cloudy Bay was founded in 1985 by David Hohnen and is widely credited with putting Marlborough on the world wine map — first through its Sauvignon Blanc, and subsequently through a Pinot Noir programme drawing on some of the region's oldest, most demanding vineyard sites. The fruit is sourced mainly from the Southern Valleys sub-region, where aged alluvial gravels over clay subsoils give smaller yields and a more concentrated, structured wine.

In the glass it shows a perfumed mix of red and dark berry fruit — wild strawberry, raspberry and black cherry — layered with crushed rose petal, warm spice and a touch of biscuity vanilla from time in oak. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity, giving real freshness alongside the fruit concentration.

A natural partner for duck, salmon or mushroom-based dishes, and versatile enough for a Sunday roast.