Named for the compacted blue-grey mudstone that holds tight to the roots of our mature vines, Vavasour Papa Pinot Noir is made from small parcels on our upper terraces. These established vines reward us with a generous palate of dark cherry, plum and violets. A savoury complexity and silky smooth finish speaks clearly of this most singular place.

Here be the wine of Noble Fellows. Cultivated from rich irony and grown under the breeze of our dry humour. With glass in hand and tongue-in-cheek, these fine characters of New Zealand gentry say cheers to thee! Enjoy this premium quality Pinot Noir from Marlborough, with a deep crimson hue and distinct aromas of red cherries. Savour the fine flavours of spice and plum with a smooth silky finish.

This wine highlights the slightly cooler season with lovely perfumed dark red forest berries and cherry fruits along with a hint of dried herb, adding complexity. The wine has a sweet berry entry which displays these same characters in abundance. Lovely ripe textural tannins rise gracefully out of the mid-palate to finish the wine. These are balanced by the wines acidity and fruit, to produce a long fruit-driven finish.

ISABEL ESTATE VINEYARD Aratoro Pinot Noir, Marlborough Isabel Estate was established in Marlborough in 1980 and has some of the oldest vines in the region. Aratoro (meaning 'path of discovery') is Isabel Estate's top-tier range. This single-vineyard wine is crafted from some of the oldest vines on the Isabel Estate vineyard. The Pinot Noir is a blend of two Pinot Noir clones, 10/5 and Abel. The result is a concentrated, dense and complex Pinot Noir with layers of violets, plum, black cherry, herbs and cocoa. Silky yet firm tannin gives length and poise to this special single-vineyard wine.

This vintage has produced a Pinot Noir displaying ripe rich aromatics; perfumed black fruits of the forest dominate the aroma and these are underpinned by lovely clove, anise and other brown spice notes. The wine displays lovely elegance and flows with striking precision and clarity. On the palate it kicks off with a supple dark berry entry, moving into a beautifully textured plush mid-palate, after which fine elegant textural tannins frame fruit and acidity on a lengthy finish. Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir will improve for 7-10 years given optimal vintage and cellaring conditions.

An excellent Pinot - low yielding vines growing in calcium rich clay, within stoney subsoils derive a fine fruit. Extended brilliantly, sunny cool autumnal freshness has led to a wine of finesse and character.