2022 Palliser Estate Single Vineyard Hua Nui Pinot Noir, Martinborough

Reasonably light and youthful pinot noir with cherry, fresh herbs, subtle spice and a suggestion of rhubarb flavours. Tangy wine with a backbone of bright acidity and flavours at the cooler end of the spectrum. 09 Aug 2023 Drink 2023–2027

90 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Deep, dark ruby, lighter around the rim in colour. Haunting aromas of plum, raspberry, black cherry, anise and boronia, with ethereal notes of turmeric, oyster mushroom, wild thyme and pomegranate. The tannins of this year’s Hua Nui are so disarmingly silky and mouth-coating, you pause in your tracks. Can a Pinot really be this seamless, this young? Several more sips confirm it. Opulent and weighty on the palate, it has such a lightness of touch and vividness of detail, the finish teasing out a sense of fun and playfulness that just leaves a smile on your face. Long and layered, revealing more stylish nuance with each sip, Hua Nui 2021 is as abundant as its name ('Fruits of Abundance') suggests.