Wine Reviews

Stunning and expressive, showing crisp flavors of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry, with hints of peppery rose petals, fresh loam and palo santo, plus a touch of dried thyme. Notes of Pu’er tea linger on the velvety finish

Where the 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir is obvious in its outlay of pleasure (the fruit, the tannins and the whole bunches are all distinct characteristics within the wine as a whole), the 2021 Aroha Pinot Noir is a far more svelte, flowing affair with a seamless transition between fruit, tannin and whole bunch (32%). It is characterized by black cherries, a hint of kirsch, black tea, star anise, clove and dehydrated orange peel, jasmine tea, raspberry and a hint of graphite and cocoa dust. This is a really exciting wine here, and it’s a statement for New World Pinot

The 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir leads with roasted cherry, pink peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns and pomegranate molasses on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is taut and fine, with a silky flow of flavor that trickles through the fine tannic structure. All things are in place. It is both svelte and harmonious, powerful and long, and it’s exciting drinking; the 70% whole bunch brings a swathe of exotic spice to the show and sits within the fruit and experience as a whole. This has a long future ahead, make no mistake.

A fresh and vivid pinot with lightness and brightness. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Attractive strawberry flavors at the end. More delicate than usual but delicious.

A subtle, layered wine with wild strawberry, blackberries and Black Doris plums, clove and earth, and a hint of orange peel. The palate is plush, ripe-fruited and textural with firm, fine chalky tannins and succulent acidity.