2007 Cloudy Bay confirmed this company's not just about sauvignon blanc. It gained strong marks from us all. I thought the combination of dark fruit and nutmeg from new oak was tremendous. 'Lovely rich weight, with plenty of flesh,' agreed Campbell. 'Plum, black cherry and charry oak. Long and complex, with anise and other spices, smoky hints and bacon fat.' Caillard added: 'Very seriously alluring.' The wine showed that Marlborough pinot is up there with other regions when the vineyards are well situated. It's ready now and will develop further complexity over a couple of years."  Gourmet Traveller Wine - 96 points; 5 Stars * * * * * Drink Now to 2016.

There was a time when the words Marlborough and pinot noir could not be uttered respectably in the same breath but if you’re still thinking that way, get with the plan. This wine consistently rates highly in blind tastings I have done, in which it compares favourably with big-name pinot noirs from around the world place. It’s a staggeringly intense, full bodied and silky. BY Joelle Thomson

As good as Cloudy Bay pinot noir can be, it probably ranks fourth behind the sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and Te Koko in the stable’s quality hierarchy - excluding price considerations. This is a good release though. Spicy, stalky, darkly cherried and robust through the finish. Good structure and oomph, though true to its variety too. Smoky, musky, woody overtones. Cleansing acidity and well balanced overall. Minor question over whether it reaches as confidently through the finish as a good pinot noir should, but I’m judging the extra time in the bottle will sort this out, for the better. Rated : 91+ Points Alcohol : 14% Price : $52 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2011 - 2016; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front