The 2007 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir has also improved significantly since its tank showing last year and indeed has the most clarity on the nose amongst Craggy’s 2007 Pinots with red-berried fruit, hints of lavender and dark plum. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, quite backward and a little pinched – certainly needing time to open up but it should be worth the wait. Nice grip on the finish but I feel that this has barely started motoring. Craggy Range continue to press forward with their ambitious plans and are rapidly becoming one of the most familiar New Zealand producers both at an entry-level, having successfully penetrated the competitive supermarket shelves in the UK, but also winning plaudits for their array of flagship bottlings such as Le Sol, Sophia and The Quarry. I concentrated on new releases but re-tasted some of the Pinot Noirs that I felt have improved significantly.Importer: Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700

This vineyard is coming into its own, with stellar wines emerging from Felton Road and Pyramid Valley in 2007 as well as this offering. It’s nearly jammy, filled with cherry fruit, but there is enough sous bois character to make it recognizably Pinot Noir, and a delightfully lush, creamy texture framed by supple tannins and adequate acids. Drink now–2017. ——J.C.(4/1/2011)—— 93