Aroha Pinot Noir 2023
Trade Tools
New Zealand
In the cool-climate region of Martinborough, the 81.5 acres terraced Te Muna Road Vineyard is planted with eight clones of Pinot Noir in more than 40 different parcels. On the vineyard’s two distinct terraces, stony soils produce exceptional Pinot Noir. Grapes were hand harvested – 60% destemmed, 40% whole bunch – before undergoing fermentation in a combination of open-top stainless-steel tanks and French oak cuves. The wine matured for 11 months in 32% new French oak barriques.
Harvest Note
An early, warm start to the 2023 season led to excellent flowering, though one significant frost reduced yields in some Pinot blocks. Above-average rainfall after Christmas required careful canopy management, but a long, even ripening period delivered Pinot Noir with vibrant color, lifted perfume, and refined tannins. Fruit was 100% handpicked from Block 10 and 16 then hand-sorted into French oak cuves. Both cuvées underwent 21 days of skin contact, with light pump overs primarily used for cap management. After fermentation, the wine aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, of which 31% were new.
Tasting Note
Bright burgundy with a soft crimson hue. Lifted, pure aromas of dried cherry, lavender, and wild thyme. Fine-grained tannins and moderate acidity with restrained red fruit, subtle depth, and graceful approachability in its youth.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Martinborough
PH: 3.71
ACIDITY: 5.2 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: 14 months in French oak barriques; 30% new
Unique Selling Points
- Distinct, higher vineyard terrace with old, stony soils yields impeccable Pinot Noir
- The higher-elevation Te Muna Road Vineyard is harvested about a week later than nearby sites; grapes have greater freshness and acidity
- Single-vineyard Pinot Noir with complex, subtle fruit and very good length
I am fortunate to lead an extraordinary group of people who want to be part of creating something truly magnificent that successive generations can admire and enjoy for years to come. I love our great estates and feel a strong connection to their complexities and subtleties.
Ben Tombs, Winemaker
About the Grape
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
