Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Pinot Noir

Tasting Note Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Pinot Noir

Upon pouring, the deep ruby color is immediately striking, being somewhat more intense than one would expect from an average Pinot Noir. On the nose, the wine opens with an alluring bouquet of ripe black cherries, raspberries, and a subtle hint of violets.

As the wine breathes, more complex notes emerge: think of savory nuances of dried herbs, cedarwood, and a touch of smoked oak. On the palate, the structure is silky yet firm, with refined tannins and a lively acidity that beautifully balances the rich fruit concentration. The finish is long, earthy, and leaves a lasting impression of dark fruit and light spices. A great wine!

Food Pairing

Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Pinot Noir pairs excellently with roasted duck breast with a cherry sauce or slow-cooked pork tenderloin with sage. And what about a creamy wild mushroom risotto with a drop of truffle oil > a wonderful combination! Also, soft, ripe cheeses such as Brie de Meaux or a mild farmstead cheese. Avoid overly strong blue cheeses, as they could overpower the nuances of the wine.

Additional Information

The 1203 Pinot Noir is part of the Limited Release series from Misty Cove, in which only the very best plots and barrels are selected to create a Pinot Noir that reflects the essence of Marlborough's terroir. The name 1203 is inspired by Mount Stokes, which rises 1203 meters above the Marlborough Sounds and symbolizes altitude, purity, and character.

The grapes originate from the cooler sub-regions of Marlborough, where nights are cold and days are sunny. This ensures slow ripening and maximum aroma development. The wine undergoes careful aging in French oak (often a mix of new and used wood), which gives the wine its backbone and aging potential. While many Marlborough Pinot Noirs are very fruity and light, the '1203' leans more towards the complexity and depth of Burgundy, but with the sun-drenched intensity of the New World.

Misty Cove is a boutique winery started by Andrew Bailey and his Dutch wife in 2008. They source their grapes from the best vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago to craft pure and, above all, distinctive wines that have already distinguished themselves at numerous competitions. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability. Discover even more wines from the winery Misty Cove.

Wine Scores/Awards

• Wine Orbit (Sam Kim) 94 - 95 Points (5 stars)
• James Suckling - 91 - 93 Points
• Marlborough Wine Show - Frequently awarded Gold