The 2007 Pinot Noir has a very high-toned nose that is far too “spirity” although it does tend to meld together with some aeration towards dark plum, spice and a slight forest floor edge. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins. It lacks some definition and elegance. This is a little disappointing because I have time for Cloudy Bay’s Pinot. But this Pinot is too oaky and leaden on the finish.Big changes at Cloudy Bay, having parted ways with founding winemaker Kevin Judd who stays on as consultant and relinquishing the services of senior winemaker Eveline Fraser in April 2009. I have expressed my reservations with this iconic producer in WA176 and returning one year later I returned as open-minded as ever, yet I still find that their portfolio is a notch behind other Marlborough producers.Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY

CB is getting it right these days, almost regardless of variety. This Pinot Noir features pretty cherry and vanilla shadings and a hint of briary complexity. It’s round and plump on the palate, marked by crisp acids and silky tannins on the finish. Drink now–2012.——J.C.(9/1/2009)—— 90