We are in the heart of one of the most interesting areas for wine production in all of New Zealand. Marlborough is a land of great international wines, including the noblest of all reds, Pinot Noir. Babich Wines offers it here in a version produced using traditional winemaking techniques, including fermentation in open vats and manual punching. Maturation in French oak for 7 months then gives it a definite softness on the palate and a full flavor. In the glass, it is a beautiful ruby red color that is not overly deep. The nose reveals classic ripe fruit aromas, with a hint of smokiness resulting from aging in wood. In the mouth it surprises with the richness and finesse of its aromas that again recall ripe fruit, but also dried herbs and a hint of caramel. Soft, medium-textured, has a pleasant persistence. An elegant red that can also be paired with fish dishes, perhaps in guazzetto or otherwise cooked with tomato.