Both elegant and powerful, with raspberry coulis and black cherry flavors, plus hints of star anise and cardamom that mingle with fresh earth, toasted green tea and chicory notes on a plush frame.
The fruit is eminently red, and the wine feels elegantly integrated at all levels. It’s a lovely expression of Martinborough, and it manages restraint and measure at every opportunity. The acidity is fine and saline, the balance is there and the oak merely supports.
From the stony soils of windswept Martinborough, this is a potpourri dish of black cherry, blueberry, cedar, sage, dried florals and other heady spices. It’s silky with a light, crunchy modern appeal that belies its quiet complexity.
Luscious berry aromas take the lead on this concentrated Pinot from one of New Zealand’s best-known red producers. The florals, vanilla and toasty spice notes are just whispers for the moment. The silky palate is rich and primary, with layers of flavor that are still tightly packed in. Drink now with a decanter at hand or hold for another few years
The Te Muna Road vineyard, sited 7km from Martinborough town, is planted on an ancient dried riverbed of stony clay soils, and fruit for this wine is sourced from a higher terrace than the parcel-selection Aroha. The winemaking – by Julian Grounds – is similar; however, this sees more (34%) whole-bunch fruit and less (27%) new oak. Anne Krebiehl MW: Juicy, flowing, with dense red cherry, freshness, nothing overdone. Lovely now, will also last the distance. Very balanced. Justin Knock MW: Deep blue and purple fruits, creamy aromas, plush and layered. Expansive and powerful but also very fine. A really wonderful wine. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Youthful, vibrant and elegantly scented. Ripe dark fruits, spice and elegant leafy notes. Great concentration, silky texture and savoury complexity.
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