Medium to full red colour with a tinge of purple, the bouquet showing substantial toasty oak at first, as well as some root vegetable and dark cherry notes. A more earthy, savoury, earth-bound style of pinot, with ample drying but soft tannins that assert themselves throughout the palate and long aftertaste. Lip-smacking grip to conclude. This is definitely made to go with food. (50% whole-bunch, 50% new oak)12 AUG 2020 Drink 2020–2032
93 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
This wine is made from vines 25 years old. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of many clones grown in a very sheltered spot always rewards us with a classic example of New World Pinot Noir.
Hand harvested fruit was open top fermented using indigenous yeasts in traditional wooden cuvees. After pressing it was matured in 40% new French oak barriques for 18 months. It was fined to protect the flavours and aid brightness in the glass. Bottled without filtration, promoting soft mouth feel and texture.
It has a unique site derived complexity and texture combined with black cherry/plum fruit flavours. It will continue to develop for up to 10 years and will always be a wonderful counterpart to any game food.