2022 Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir, Martinborough

Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir is a flagship wine from Martinborough, crafted with precision and care by Te Kairanga under the guidance of winemaker John Kavanagh. This Pinot Noir is named in honor of John Martin, the founder of Martinborough, and represents the pinnacle of Te Kairanga’s winemaking philosophy, showcasing the unique terroir and elegance of this celebrated New Zealand wine region.

The grapes for this wine are sourced exclusively from the John Martin Vineyard, one of Te Kairanga’s most prized sites. Located on ancient river terraces with free-draining alluvial soils, the vineyard benefits from Martinborough’s cool climate and long growing season. These conditions allow the Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentrated flavors, refined tannins, and vibrant acidity.

Winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve the integrity of the fruit and express the vineyard’s character. The grapes are hand-picked and gently destemmed, with a portion of whole clusters included to enhance structure and aromatics. Fermentation takes place in small open-top fermenters, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 10-12 months, with a careful balance of new and seasoned oak to complement the wine’s fruit profile.

In the glass, Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir displays a deep ruby hue. The nose is complex and inviting, offering aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, and wild strawberries, layered with notes of violets, forest floor, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and silky, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity framing flavors of dark fruit, savory herbs, and a touch of mineral freshness. The finish is long, elegant, and impeccably balanced, reflecting the wine’s exceptional quality.

This Pinot Noir is an excellent match for roasted duck, lamb, or venison, as well as mushroom risotto or truffle-infused dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, making it a versatile and sophisticated choice for dining. While delightful now, this wine has the structure and depth to age gracefully for 8-12 years, rewarding patience with added complexity and nuance.

The John Martin Pinot Noir is crafted from the best own vineyard parcels. It has a beautiful rich colour and intense spicy, dark fruits layered and aromatic nose. Soft, silky tannins and supple texture round off the palate and lead to a long, lingering finish. John Martin is a wine of impressive purity and subtle power. Drinking now but will be better in a 5 years.

An elegant bouquet of red plum, bramble blackberry with baking spice leads to a bold richly textured palate. Bursts of dark berry fruits and exotically spiced tannins make this a deep wine with concentration and texture further rewarded with careful cellaring. Best paired with a hearty venison and juniper stew.