Smoky, meaty notes from the 30% new Mercurey barrels accent the nose of the 2018 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir, but it's by no means one-dimensional. It also offers up hints of roses, cherries and clove. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, it lingers teasingly on the finish, alternating between fruity and savory characters, both wrapped around a graphite-laced backbone.