June/July 2007, Wine Access

By Steve Tanzer

2005 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir Picnic Central Otago -- 88

($25) Good medium red. Raspberry, strawberry and woodsmoke on the nose. Sweet, supple and mellow, with herb-tinged berry flavors. Finishes with good sappy lift. The wine's soft tannins won't get in the way of enjoying this gently styled pinot right now. In fact, I'd drink this less expensive release now and give the regular estate blend a year or two of bottle aging.