Le Secret des Etoiles Pinot Noir 2015

Pinot Noir is a prima donna when it comes to climate, liking it neither too hot nor too cold – yet it’s worth the effort to create a silky, pure fruit red like this. The skill is in choosing the right vineyard, which isn’t so tricky for Chai winemaker Mark Hoddy, who knows exactly where to find top quality Pinot grapes. His friend Joseph Bousquet has a small domaine high in the Limoux valley. There, a high altitude position and influence from the Atlantic mean warm days are followed by cool nights that help retain freshness, delicacy and finesse. You’ll find all this, plus cherry and raspberry charm, and gentle toasty vanilla spice from almost a year's ageing in Burgundian oak barrels. A great red with pan-fried duck or mushroom risotto.