Single Vineyard 'Hua Nui' Pinot Noir 2021

After cool, damp weather at flowering, the 2021 vintage in Martinborough was never going to be a bountiful one, but the second half of the season was regarded by many growers as near perfect and the quality of what was finally harvested in this North Island Pinot-Noir hotspot was enviable. Deep scarlet in colour, the aromas of this forthright, vital Pinot evoke both raspberries and plums. On the palate, too, the wine is energetic and exuberant; its structure derives from that force of fruit, darkened by oak and lifted by ripe, fruit-dense acidity rather than tannins. The overall mouthfeel, thus, is smooth rather than grippy, despite this impressive depth of fruit. This is assured Pinot Noir from one of the southern hemisphere’s reference zones.

Immensely complex and engaging, the wine shows dark cherry, dried herb, tapenade and roasted nut aromas with a hint of dried mushroom nuance. The palate displays excellent concentration and weight, wonderfully complemented by plush texture and refined tannins. Graciously opulent with firm structure, finishing superbly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2035.

Delicate scented pinot noir with fragrant floral, cherry/berry characters. Subtle fruit sweetness and a suggestion of vanilla adds charm. Delicious wine with a seamless texture and lingering finish.

Complex, earthy, mineral and varietal. A core of strawberry and barrel spices, nut and smoky wood. The perfumes and synergies from the bouquet build as the wine opens up in glass. Delicious on the palate with fine grained tannin textures, ripe red berry fruits and French barrel flavours. Acidity carries all the flavours throughout the palate as well as adding a crispness and poise. Well made, complex and lengthy. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+.