Reserve is a sloppy term. In Spain and Portugal it has simply to do with time in barrel and bottle before release. Elsewhere, as with our 2020 Pizzicato, it denotes the view that this particular vintage produced grapes of clearly superior quality for particular clones or parcels of fruit. Also, if you want the wine to be multi-layered and interesting rather than one dimensional and insipid it sounds reasonable to include a broad clonal selection.

So, for the 2020 Reserve we have all our six clones represented - Dijon 114 and 115, a dash of Abel, 2 Pommard variations and some 10/5 for structure and savoury character. For those making a start with the seductive charms of Pinot Noir you need to remember that the bolder Bordeaux varietals are intended to appeal to the head and rowdy behaviour. Pinot is lighter (garnet) in colour and texture; more intriguing and subtle in flavour - decidedly more sensual and transparent. It turns out that vineyard temperatures higher than the early 30's turn delicacy into jam - not respectable for a decent Pinot.

The texture of Pinot Noir goes beyond smooth into silky. The fruit component is often described as plum and cherry and the Martinborough examples, including this one, have a savoury character which favours mushrooms and perhaps surprisingly, salmon and tuna.