Aroha Pinot Noir 2016
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.
93 Points
Wine Advocate
2016 vintage
Harvest Note
With strong El Niño weather conditions predicted for the 2015/2016 growing season, many feared the worst for the 2016 harvest. Instead, what occurred was a nearly perfect growing season. Dry conditions were maintained throughout the season, which began with coolish weather during crop set and slow, even ripening as temperatures warmed. We were fortunately not impacted by an abnormally early frost period in mid-April just prior to completion of the harvest.
Tasting Note
Dense dark cherry colour. Complex brooding aromatics of black cherry, plum, rose and wooden spices. An excellent illustration of subtle power across the palate. Beautifully textured ripe fruit flows seamlessly across the palate with sinew and spice from stem and oak influence. The feel is precise, savoury and long.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Martinborough
PH: 3.61
ACIDITY: 5.5 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: Maturation 11 months in French Oak & Stainless steel tanks
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Sustainable, Organic or Biodynamic
- Distinct, higher vineyard terrace with old, stony soils yields impeccable Pinot Noir
- 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.
Julian Grounds, 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.
