Drink of the Week: Cloudy Bay 2020 Pinot Noir

Thanks to my proximity to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of Pinot Noirs. But recently I found my interest piqued by a Pinot that’s made far from my Pacific Northwest home: Cloudy Bay’s 2020 Pinot Noir.

Cloudy Bay is a New Zealand-based label that grows grapes throughout Marlborough and Central Otago. The Cloudy Bay vision began with their exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. However, their winemakers discovered that the southern valleys of their Marlborough vineyards were perfect for growing Chardonnays and Pinot Noir. The southern terroir for the Pinot in particular is characterized by north-facing slopes with cool clay soils and bright sunshine, along with an idyllic maritime climate.

Fermented with open-top tanks and wild yeast, the 2020 Pinot Noir was then aged in French oak for 11 months. It’s delightfully light and silky with notes of strawberry and blackberry on the palate. What’s most appealing to me is the slightly musty, lingering nose of barnyard in this vintage, which makes it an especially intriguing Pinot to sip. A touch of Brettanomyces never hurt anyone, right? $48.99, wine.com