2016 Dry River Pinot Noir, Martinborough

Dark, deep, black-hearted ruby-red colour. This has a firm and intense nose with aromas of ripe black cherries with a complex amalgam of dark herbs, subtle whole cluster notes, black and violet florals and nuances of spices. Medium-full bodied, this has bright and vibrant black cherry and berry fruit with a complexing layer of spices, black olives and herb nuances. The fruit is rich and lush, and underlined by fine-grained powdery tannin extraction and fresh lacy acidity. As the wine flows, the florals blossom and savoury tapenade suggestions emerge. This is already showing complexity. This will develop well over the next 7-9 years. Fruit from the ‘Dry River Estate’, ‘Lovat’ and ‘Craighall’ sites, indigenous yeast fermented with 35% whole clusters to 12.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 15% new 300 L and 350 L hogsheads. 19.0+/20 Mar 2018

A majestic but youthful nose with an array of complex fruits from pomegranate to red cherry, raspberry and boysenberry as well as leaves and herbal notes, and a reticent earthy spices layer. The palate has a very succulent, fresh and elegant mid-palate with focused, tight-set tannins that have a remarkable precision. Sharply focused and extremely long. Power with finesse. Some smoky, whole-bunch notes to close. An excellent wine. Best from 2022.