Desert Heart

Desert Heart Pinot Noir 2010 Bannockburn Central Otago
Aromas of soil, air, complexity, light red fruits and a heart of Pinot Noir; floral fragrances and mild to moderate wood spices add depth and complexity; overall an harmonious bouquet. On the palate - complex, dry, savoury and fruity with flavours of light red berry fruits woven between layers of dried herb, medium acidity and fine tannins; hints of underbrush and bracken, medium weight, balanced and well made. A wine still in development and with several years of this ahead. Drinking quite well now, perhaps best decanted for service or checked again in late 2016.
90 Points

Desert Heart 'Freedom' Pinot Noir 2011 Bannockburn Central Otago
Youthful, fruity, distinctive, woody, lots of pinosity and personality; some savoury dried herb moments; red apple skin and red cherry fruits with some yellow plum; wood spices and a touch of brown sugar wood. On the palate - dry, firm, tense, youthful, lots of light red fruit flavours, firm medium tannins - still evolving; medium+ acidity; lengthy and quite complex; plenty of wood spice and dried herb; the finish is lengthy and fruity. A wine that needs more evolution and integration time. Decant for service or continue to cellar and try again in 2017.
91 Points

Desert Heart 'Mackenzies Run' Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 Bannockburn Central Otago
Complex bouquet of soils, wood spices, ripe red berry fruits and a synergy that is difficult to describe; combinations of aromas - red apple skin and red rose; red cherry and fragrant dried herb, stony soils. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and fruity - flavours of plum and red berry, rose and soils, wood spice and toasty lees; fine to medium (ish) tannins, plenty of acidity; balanced. Drinkable now if decanted, will continue to cellar for several years.
92 Points

Desert Heart 'Mackenzies Run' Reserve Pinot Noir 2013 Bannockburn Central Otago
Deliciously fruity and complex with a core of red berry fruits - dark cherry and raspberry wrapped in a rose and wood spice bouquet; mild dried herb and savoury suggestions. On the palate - dense and rich in character with lots of red berry fruit flavours; some plum notes; a touch of savoury; moderate wood tones; medium tannins of a silken and fine nature, medium+ acidity; lengthy and complex finish. A lovely wine concentration and charm.
94 Points