The wine shows lovely pure fruit on the nose and palate. It is warm and medium-bodied with dark cherry fruit a firm structure and a spicy mid-palate. Six months of barrique ageing - in one-third used oak and two-thirds used foudres gives it a smoky depth and a nice backbone of earthy tannins. If you find New Zealand Pinots overly fruity and unsubtle, try this - it shows less obvious fruit but has an earthiness and depth that gives it an added dimension.

Perfect for everyday sipping, delicious when served with tomato-based dishes be it pasta based or of course, pizza. It makes a perfect partner to slow-roasted duck legs.

Founded in 1756, the J.L. Wolf estate was a very successful and highly regarded winery for more than two centuries. It entered an especially glamorous era with the construction of its Italianate estate house and villa in 1843. In the latter years of the 20th century, however, the estate languished, lacking a firm hand to guide its wine production. Ernst Loosen, of the Dr. Loosen estate, took over the vineyards in 1996, launching a dramatic turnaround in the estate's quality and reputation.

This has been a JN success story with customers returning for more after they experience the quality of this Pinot.