2019 Chard Farm River Run Pinot Noir, Central Otago

River Run is Chard Farm’s Central Otago regional Pinot Noir made from grapes grown in their own vineyards in different sub-regions of Central Otago. The deep alpine valleys and waterways of Central Otago have craved the land available for grape growing into quite distinct sub-regions. Each pocket of land has its own unique climate and soil mix producing quite different styles of Pinot Noir. River Run captures the character of each of the sub-regions: Lowburn gives bright, fresh sweet fruit, Gibbston savoury and herbal tones, and Parkburn brings good texture and mineral length.

Pleasingly pure, limpid pinot noir with dark cherry, violet, spice, anise and wood-smoke that I think might be fruit-derived rather than oak-derived. Smooth-textured wine with intensity and character. A serious pinot at a good price 09 MAR 2021 Drink 2021–2026

93 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com