2021 Nga Waka Pinot Noir, Martinborough

Moderately intense pinot noir with plum, dark cherry, grape stems and nutty oak flavours. The wine has pleasing weight and an almost chewy texture. A core of sweetness neatly balances the backbone of ripe tannins. Drink to 2028.

93 points Bob Campbell for The Real Review, December 2023

Nga Waka is a family-owned wine producer established in the late-1980s. Located in the Martinborough region of New Zealand’s North Island, its name references Nga Waka A Kupe, the three hills that dominate the landscape and in Māori legend are the canoes of the famous Polynesian explorer Kupe, carried inland by an earthquake.

Matt Harper leads the work in Nga Waka’s seven vineyard sites, his work continued in the winery by wine maker Paul Mason. The sites are in the immediate vicinity of the village of Martinborough and accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

The 2021 Pinot Noir is ready to drink, and would not benefit from further cellaring.