Product description
This blend incorporates fruit from three distinct vineyards: 42% Bannockburn, 14% Waitaki, and 44% Northburn. Pinot Noir is from mixed clones, adding complexity to the final blend. The grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed, followed by a long, gentle extraction with minimal skin plunging. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak barriques (28% new). Individual barrels are hand-selected for the final blend. Vibrant and expressive, with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones. The palate showcases fine tannins, juicy acidity, and a silky texture, leading to a lingering finish with subtle oak influence and a hint of spice.
Awards
A sense of site and vintage at the center of the bouquet with a soil smoke of mineral and sandy stone then core fruit scents of raspberry and plum. On the palate, a dry wine with an abundance of red berry flavours, cranberry and dried spices, a finer layer of wood smoke and flinty lees reductive moments. Dry, savoury, well-made and quite lengthy on the palate, there's a satin touch before the impact of tannins and acidity take over. Well made with best drinking from 2027 through 2037+.
- 95 pts Cameron Douglas MS
A flavorful, spicy pinot that shows notes of mushrooms, tea leaves, red berry fruit and cloves on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, fleshy and delicious, with powdery tannins that spread across the palate. Excellent concentration and length, with smoky hints at the end. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.
- 94 pts James Suckling
Expressive ripe berry, cherry and seared bacon aromas lead into a concentrated and intense palate with a compact core of fruit, violet and very finely measured oak. The ripe, coffee-ish tannins arrive late and build across the back-palate, giving a satisfying chew to the otherwise decadent fruit. Already well-balanced, this is a classical style which will go the distance. 2025–2036.
- 93 pts Stephen Wong MW
