Ayoub Wines Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 0,75

The 2012 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard sees 11 months in 35% new French oak. It has a pastille-like pure bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and iodine that unfolds in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fresh black cherry and red plum fruit with a composed and harmonious finish that lingers long in the mouth.

This is a very well-crafted Pinot Noir with the substance to age. I tasted three wines from Ayoub during my lengthy sessions in the UK just before Christmas. Looking back, it was perhaps my first encounter with the quality of Robert Brittan's winemaking skills because these were absolute gems. Ayoub is owned by Mohamed "Mo" Ayoub who planted four acres of vine in the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills back in 2001. I tasted three recent releases and all come highly recommended.