Lots of ripe strawberries with some citrus and cream. Some meat, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a delicious, juicy finish. Drink or hold.
96 points Nick Stock jamessuckling.com Oct 2021
Made with 40% whole-bunches. Spent 18 months in French oak barriques (40% new). Complex pinot noir that is a little closed at this stage, although it opened up as it sat in the glass. Dark berry, cassis, violet, mixed spice, new leather and spicy oak flavours supported by firm, ripe tannins.
95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com July 2021
Bright, ruby-red, slightly lighter edged. The nose is elegantly full, complex range of aromas filled the glass, thyme, lavender melded with black cherries, blackberries, followed by a lifting of black pepper and subtle earthiness. Medium-full bodied, elegantly presented aromas of blackberries, black cherries, almost plummy fruit interweave black pepper, lavender and thyme. The palate is rounded and smooth; silkyfine tannin provides a light grip and emphasises the spices. Fragrant aromas of lavender and thyme are attractive, complementing the black fruit beautifully. This is a charmingly fragranced Pinot Noir with flavours of floral, black fruit and earth with concentration and finesse.
19/20 Candice Chow raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz July 2021
Ivan Donaldson uses traditional Burgundian winemaking methods to make this wine. By Picking the various blocks at different stages, depending on their maturity, the principle aim is for a range of red and dark fruit flavours.
Approximately one quarter of the grapes were put at the bottom of the fermentation vats as whole bunches, with the balance being destemmed on top, retaining as many whole berries as possible.