2020 Neudorf Home Block Moutere Pinot Noir, Nelson

Complex, layered, varietal, fruity, floral and very enticing bouquet. Aromas of dark spiced cherry, red apple, some pomegranate and plum. Layers of new and older wine barrel with a sweet spice and mild toasty qualities - a touch of clove and vanilla then, a fine raw cashew nut quality. Complex and youthful. Flavours transition through the palate and reflect the bouquet - youthful, ripe and varietal. Oak provides the foundation delivering some spice and mild, toasty complexities, tannins and acidity layer in a tautness and distinctive mouthfeel. New, fresh, and complex with best drinking from mid to late 2023 through 2033+. Great potential, but please, just give this wine time.

95 points Cameron Douglas MS

Aromas of violets, red cherries and baked strawberries. Some hibiscus. Medium-bodied with silky and supple texture. Finely knit tannins are soaked in fresh red berries with some herbal complexity. Tea leaves and rosemary stems, as well. Lovely tension here. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap

95 points jamessuckling.com Nov 2022
 
Intense pinot noir with a mix of fruit and savoury characters including raspberry, dark cherry, dried herb, grape stem, hedgerow and nutty oak flavours. Accessible now but with potential to gain even more complexity with bottle age.
 
95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com  

Few estates have played a bigger role in shaping New Zealand Pinot Noir than Neudorf. Founded by Tim and Judy Finn in the late 1970s, the winery became one of the pioneers of the Nelson region, earning an international reputation for wines of purity, balance and site expression. Today, Todd Stevens leads the winemaking team, continuing a philosophy that places vineyard character above all else. The Home Block Moutere Pinot Noir comes from the estate's original vineyards in Upper Moutere, one of New Zealand's most distinctive Pinot Noir sites.

The famous Moutere clay soils are central to the wine's identity. Rich in iron and naturally low in vigour, these ancient clay gravels produce Pinot Noir with depth, structure and remarkable longevity. The 2020 vintage provided excellent conditions throughout the growing season, allowing fruit to achieve full flavour development while retaining freshness and detail. Careful hand harvesting and gentle winemaking preserve the character of the vineyard, resulting in a Pinot Noir of both power and elegance.

Deep ruby red with subtle garnet hues beginning to emerge, the bouquet is beautifully layered with aromas of dark cherry, black plum and wild raspberry intertwined with rose petal, star anise and dried herbs. As the wine opens, notes of forest floor, truffle and fine spice emerge, reflecting both site and bottle development. The palate is concentrated yet graceful, delivering flavours of black cherry, cranberry and redcurrant wrapped around finely structured tannins. A savoury mineral thread runs through the wine, while vibrant acidity provides energy and precision. The finish is long, complex and persistent, lingering with spice, earth and dark berry fruit.

This is a magnificent partner for duck confit, venison loin, wild mushroom pappardelle, roast pork with fennel or a lentil and truffle casserole. Drinking beautifully now, it has the balance and pedigree to continue evolving for another decade or more, rewarding patient cellaring with even greater complexity.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038.