2005 Carrick Excelsior Pinot Noir. This is Carrick's limited luxury bottling.  There has been a lot of criticism from wine fans lately as every Pinot producer under the sun seems to "need" a $90 luxury bottling these days.  Our main concern is does it deliver on the premium charged. In this case it appears to.

Ruby red in colour, the nose is very delicate seamless and rich with sweet thyme like herbs, dark plum and deep fruit bun and mixed spice undertones.  The palate immediately gives an impression of being a step up from the excellent standard label especially in terms of the texture.  It is velvet smooth, seamless, finely boned and fresh. The fruit is along the red plum spectrum, rich, layered and juicy. It is augmented by hints of red currant, and a gentle sweet spice like note.  It is a grown up Otago Pinot Noir with delicacy, wrapped in long fine dusty tannins completing an almost filmy texture. It is precise and elegant and packed with class. My small sample was very compelling.  It would make many good Pinot Noir’s look crude, awkward and clumsy.  I crave another glass!  99/109