2020 Nautilus Estate Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Marlborough

Floral, fragrant wine with juicy acidity that seems to activate the wine's delicious mix of fruit and floral flavours. Delicate yet with impressive underlying power and a hands-off, seductively silken texture. Accessible wine with moderate cellaring potential 26 Oct 2023 Drink 2023–2028

95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Nautilus Estate Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir is a single-vineyard expression from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, showcasing the depth and elegance this subregion can deliver when Pinot is grown on clay-rich hillside soils. This wine is all about precision, site transparency and the balance between dark fruit, savoury spice and silken texture.

Clay Hills Vineyard is situated on the rolling slopes of the Omaka Valley, an area known for its complex clay soils and cooler microclimate. These conditions slow ripening and enhance flavour concentration, while promoting natural acidity and structure. The vineyard is divided into distinct blocks, each contributing a different layer to the final wine.

Winemaker Clive Jones, a quiet master of Marlborough Pinot, handles each parcel separately. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with a mix of wild and cultured yeasts in small open fermenters. There’s usually a portion of whole bunch included to add lift and structure. Maturation takes place in French oak barriques, around one-third new, for about 11 months.

In the glass, the wine is deeply perfumed with red cherry, wild strawberry, baking spice and a subtle earthiness. Hints of rose petal and forest floor add complexity. The palate is refined and flowing, with juicy red fruits framed by fine tannins and savoury notes of dried herbs and cedar. There’s a quiet power to this wine, carried by freshness and length.

Cellar for up to 7 to 10 years, or enjoy now with decanting.

Excellent with duck confit, grilled salmon, or porcini mushroom risotto.