Looking to exploit the site’s unique location, the vineyard started redevelopment in 2009. Using a renownedFrench soil scientist, sampling revealed ground composition similar to the Rhone Valley and foothills of the French Alps, rich in minerals, nutrients and excellent water holding capacity. The focus shifted to high density planting Pinot Noir and Syrah vines and farming the vineyard organically (moving from 20,000vines to over 40,000). The project paid off, in 2016 The Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2013 was awarded the coveted IWSC international Pinot Noir of the Year, testament to the potential of this vineyard site Sitting below Fairhall Southern side valleys - carved by ancient glaciers, deep silt gravels within dispersed underlying light clays, free draining, top solid rich in organic matter 20-40cm rich in silt, 40-100cm layers of gravels rich in iron, great porosity and good moisture content. A dry Marlborough winter created some concern for the growing season. However, it was unnecessary as soil moisture levels were high enough to maintain exceptionally healthy vines through spring. In early December, warm average air temperatures helped ensure successful flowering. Timely rainfall in January and February ensured ideal fruit set and berry development. Dedicated yield and canopy management throughout the summer ensured balanced crops were maintained with light airy canopies that allowed dappled light and good air movement around the ripening fruit. Warm temperatures from February created the perfect ripening environment for flavour development. Overall vintage 2016 delivered fully ripe fruit with intense flavour and concentration. Minimal cold soak, followed by up to 25 days on skins. The fermentations were long and cool so as not to overly extract the tannin from the fruit.

Marlborough isn't only capable of producing Sauvignon Blanc, some fine examples of Pinot Noir are coming our too. None better than this excellent wine from Delta Vineyards. Extremely fragrant on the nose and packed with squeezed forest berries, oak, spice, and some herbal, thyme-like notes. The palate displays vibrant red fruit flavours balanced by silky, fine tannins.

Flavours and textures that are both lingering and vibrant. A crafted wine of elegance.

The Seresin Leah is a wonderful example of hand-crafted Marlborough Pinot Noir which is sourced from 3 of Seresin's premium vineyard sites; the clay rich hillside Raupo Creek vineyard, the alluvial shingles of the Tatou vineyard and the Home vineyard, which is made up of a variety of Waimakariri type soils of alluvial origin. The wine itself shows a nose of savoury, spicy and earthy aromas with plum, berry and herbal notes. Following is a palate that is both focused and plush with a feminine feel of red fruits, namely strawberry and ripe cherry.

Garnet in colour, the wine displays aromas of cherry cola, violets, star anise and pink peppercorns. The palate has black forest chocolate notes, tobacco leaf, Danish liquorice and spice. Berry fruit flavours are supported by grainy tannins and a juicy finish.

Aroma Attractive aromas of fresh apricot mingle with fresh fig. Palate The palate is full of rich flavours of quince that lead to a salty minerality on the finish

Fruit for this lovely Pinot was selected meticulously, destemmed in stainless steel tanks, and subjected to wild fermentation. Post aging in French oak barrels for about 10 months, the wine was fined and bottled for release. Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2014 shows a medium purple hue, with light pink highlights along the edges. The blissful nose gives off scents of dried herbs, mushrooms, red fruits and violets while the supple palate is packed with black and red cherries coupled with nuances of tobacco, spice and leather. The medium-weighted palate has a great structure and finesse, which mesh well with the fine and grainy tannins to provide a lengthy mineral finale. A suggested food pairing with this wine is smoked hoki.

It bursts with bright red-currant and cherry fruit, cinnamon, cloves, cracked pepper and drying violets with a savory earthy undertone. The palate is plush but neatly packaged with savory, focused tannins and crunchy berry fruit. The spicy French oak does show on both the nose and the palate but it adds rather than detracts. Drink this young and slightly chilled as a light alternative to charred barbecue fare.